Press Digest for Monday January 06, 2014

3^min

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.

LF leader Geagea voices rejection to 8-8-8 cabinet formula

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea reiterated on Monday his refusal to any government in which all parties are represented, holding the March 8 coalition responsible for the disruption of the cabinet formation process "due to threats launched by the alliance".

In this regard, LF leader Geagea told Al-Akhbar daily that he rejects any kind of European efforts aiming to agree, in advance, on the new Lebanese President, stressing the need to hold the presidential elections.

Geagea also rejected the 8-8-8 cabinet formula, deeming it similar to the 6-9-9 government formula.

Judge Hammoud says cause of Majed al-Majed's death documented in forensic report

Acting State Prosecutor Judge Samir Hammoud stressed on Monday that the cause of death of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades' leader is documented in a report by the forensic doctor who examined his body as well as his medical file.

Judge Hammoud said the report showed that Majed al-Majed was in a deep coma, noting that he was suffering kidney failure, low blood pressure as well as other problems.

"Iran did not ask me to participate in investigations over the cause of death," he told Al-Joumhouria newspaper.

MP Qabbani says new government to be formed in January

Future bloc MP Mohammad Qabbani stressed that a new cabinet will be formed in January, and said: "The March 14 coalition rejects Hezbollah's participation in the government since the group is fighting in Syria and not implementing the legitimate institutions' decisions".

MP Qabbani told al-Liwaa newspaper that the March 14 coalition is keen to avoid political vacuum and to elect a new President in due time while ruling out the extension of President Michel Sleiman's term.

"A 'fierce' campaign is launched against President Sleiman since he highlights the need to control illegitimate weapons," MP Qabbani added.