Press Digest for Tuesday January 21, 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.

Ambassador Fletcher encourages former PM Hariri to hold dialogue with all parties- source

British ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher encouraged former Prime Minister Saad Hariri to hold dialogue with all Lebanese political parties and to facilitate the cabinet formation process, a British source said on Tuesday.

The source told As-Safir newspaper that "the UK does not interfere in governmental formulas," adding however that it calls for dialogue among all parties while supporting efforts exerted by President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam.

Separately, the same source praised the "tireless" efforts exerted by caretaker Minister of Social Affairs Wael Abou Faour in order to help the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, calling on the Lebanese government to "pay special attention to" the displaced Syrians.

Russia's Saspkin says fight against terrorism is a priority in Syria

Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Saspkin stressed that "the Geneva 2 conference aims, first and foremost, to implement the Geneva 1 Communique issued on June 2012," noting that this statement calls for ending violence and launching dialogue between the regime and the opposition for the transitional period.

Saspkin also told Al-Joumhouria daily that discussions at the international conference for peace in Syria may shed light on the fight against terrorism, and said: "Combating terrorism has become a priority in Syria".

"The Geneva 2 conference is likely to yield fruitful results if no preconditions are set," the ambassador added.

LF MP Jngenaan says Hariri has prioritized Lebanon's interest

Lebanese Forces MP Shant Jngenaan said the stances of the Head of the Future Movement Saad Hariri have contributed to settling outstanding issues hurdling the formation of a new cabinet, noting that Hariri is adamant on overcoming divisions among the Lebanese.

"The Lebanese Forces lauds Hariri's stances," Jngenaan told Al-Liwaa newspaper, adding that the former Prime Minister has prioritized Lebanon's interest over his personal interest.

Salam says he feels relieved over ongoing contacts to form new cabinet

Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam said on Tuesday he was reassured about ongoing efforts and contacts to form a new government.

In this regard, Salam told Al-Akhbar daily that the regional and international situations have encouraged the Lebanese parties to seize this opportunity, and said: "There are political developments that should be taken into account".