The following are summaries of today's major stories published in the Arabic press. LBCI does not edit press digest articles for content, giving English-language readers insight into the various views expressed in newspapers across the Arab world.
Sources close to Baabda told An-Nahar daily on Thursday that Prime Minster-Designate Tammam Salam is willing to tackle the proposed government formulas in order to form a new cabinet, mainly in light of the latest regional and international developments.
Well-informed sources also reported that the stance of National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt did not change regarding the governmental file, noting that "it was confirmed after his latest meeting with President Michel Sleiman".
The same sources added that contacts between Sleiman and Speaker Nabih Berri are ongoing, pointing out that the latter is considering legal and constitutional issues as the presidential elections are inching closer.
The sources also told the newspaper that President Sleiman is adamant on his stance regarding the caretaker government "that cannot deal with a potential presidential vacuum," noting that he prioritizes the formation of a new cabinet regardless of obstacles.
Sources close to President Michel Sleiman reported on Thursday that he is holding contacts with all the Lebanese political parties, noting that "he is not in dispute with anyone".
The sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that all the political parties were briefed on Sleiman's national stances, adding that "all outstanding political files will be tackled after the holidays, except for the urgent security file".
"Contacts were held yesterday between President Sleiman and Head of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc MP Mohamad Raad who discussed details behind the Sbouba incident that took place in the Bekaa town," the sources said.
Change and Reform bloc Secretary MP Ibrahim Kanaan said "attacks against the army target the Lebanese entity and identity," noting that the military should be supported through "serious institutional work while resorting to the government and parliament as well as taking legislative and executive decisions".
"History will hold accountable those who failed to assume their duties throughout this phase," he said.
MP Kanaan also told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that his bloc's initiative is ongoing, adding that a meeting will be held soon with the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc.
According to An-Nahar newspaper on Thursday, 14 March forces discussed a while ago the possibility of taking many steps towards explaining their point of view and highlighting their position from the situation in Lebanon addressing themselves to Western countries who have signed a nuclear agreement with Tehran and to Iran itself in order to put forward their stance from the agreement’s repercussions.
Discussions also tacked March 14 forces’ expectations from both Iran and the Western countries regarding their reactions concerning Lebanon and the Arab nations.
They also stressed the danger of the deteriorating situation in Lebanon "resulting from Hezbollah’s continuous involvement in the Syrian crisis".