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 following up on the formation of the cabinet reported to
As-Safir newspaper on Wednesday that Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam might at the last minute distribute the governmental portfolios upon a basis deemed appropriate and fair.
The newspaper noted that PM-Designate Salam rejected to discuss in details the governmental portfolios and the names of ministers, considering this dossier a responsibility all to his own.
As-Safir newspaper also said that March 8 forces reported to MP Salam that nominating ministers is the right of any said political party; however, Salam still has the right to rejection.
Change and Reform Bloc MP Michel Aoun told
As-Safir newspaper that insisting on the rotation of governmental portfolios is a penalty for successful ministers, pointing out that he is still avoiding any negative repercussions while dealing with governmental dossiers.
In this regard, the newspaper quoted MP Aoun as saying that his statement following the bloc’s weekly meeting was well-adjusted, stressing that he will not agree on the misrepresentation of Christians in cabinet, and will not give up on the ministries of telecommunications and energy.
Al-Akhbar newspaper quoted on Wednesday sources at the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria’s Qalamoun as saying that a new plan is being launched in Lebanon, pointing out that ISIL forces are cooperating with the Al-Nusra Front.
The sources also said that the killing of non-Shiite citizens in the explosions targeting Southern Beirut will not change their plans, promising more suicide attacks in Lebanon.
The sources also noted that security reasons are preventing them from increasing the quantity of explosive materials in booby-trapped cars.
Caretaker Minister Marwan Charbel announced Wednesday that the Interior Ministry has multiple security plans but needs nearly 5,000 security members in order to maintain southern Beirut’s security.
Minister Charbel told
An-Nahar newspaper that an alternative security plan requires new equipment to detect the presence of explosives and weapons.
Charbel also said that the plan is an integrated system of mechanisms to detect the presence of explosive-laden vehicles, stressing that special military vehicles should roam the streets of targeted regions.
In the same regard, Minister Charbel said that available security plans are numerous, but implementing them requires a large budget, pointing out that the most important measures will be implemented at the soonest time possible.