Press Digest for Wednesday January 15, 2014

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. 

• Abou Faour: Meetings with Saudi officials were positive 

Caretaker Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour, tasked by head of the Progressive Socialist Party Leader MP Walid Jumblatt, met on Tuesday evening with head of the Future Bloc former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and discussed the latest developments regarding the cabinet formation.                     

On another note, Abou Faour told An-Nahar newspaper that meetings with Saudi officials were positive, noting that they expressed their adherence to Lebanon’s stability and their support to all decisions taken by Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.                 

• MP Jarrah: There are some positive approaches regarding new cabinet 

Future Bloc MP Jamal Jarrah said on Wednesday that talks are being held to discuss the governmental statement, pointing out that there are positive approaches but there is no final result yet.      

Jarrah told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that all matters related to the new cabinet should be clear from the beginning, urging officials to agree on even on the details since the country may no longer be left without a cabinet.           

• PM-Designate Salam: Details are impeding the cabinet formation             

Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam assured on Wednesday that progress is being witnessed regarding the formation of the cabinet, adding that when officials agree on a governmental formula with all its details, the formation will be immediately announced.                  

Salam told As-Safir newspaper “some matters should be arranged between Lebanese political factions,” adding that the form of the cabinet has been agreed upon on the basis of the 8-8-8 cabinet formula.                  

Salam also pointed out that officials agreed on the rotation of governmental portfolios, and on the prerogatives of the president and the designated prime minister, stressing that remaining details are related to the governmental statement and the Baabda declaration.        

In the same regard, sources told the newspaper that Lebanese President Michel Sleiman is even following up on the details of the cabinet formation, stressing that Lebanese factions should adhere to the constitution; form a cabinet and then agree on the statement.    

• MP Zahra: Situation does not encourage March 14 forces to participate in cabinet                       

Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra told As-Safir newspaper Wednesday that March 14 forces did not receive answers on question related to the governmental statement, pointing out that “there is nothing that encourages these forces on participating in the new cabinet.”

MP Zahra also noted that progress reached up until now is not enough, adding that officials should address major political issues pertaining to the Baabda declaration and the “army-people-Resistance” formula.