Press Digest for Sunday February 16, 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.

• Sleiman expresses relief regarding cabinet formation           

Sources reported to Al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Sunday that Lebanese President Michel Sleiman is relieved regarding the formation of the cabinet, pointing out that he achieved his national and constitutional responsibilities seemingly since all Lebanese factions are represented at the new government.                

The sources pointed out that President Sleiman proposed the name of Judge Alice Chabtini since he wanted women to be represented in cabinets during his presidential term.                  

• March 14 forces adherent to constants regarding governmental statement - Sources                    

March 14 sources reported to Al-Mustaqbal newspaper that the formation of the new cabinet was a major event, pointing out that this cabinet will bring back balance to the Lebanese political life and will decrease tension in the country.                  

The sources added that the new cabinet will provide the political cover for security apparatuses to carry out their duties in order to maintain the country’s stability.               

The sources also pointed out that the regional atmosphere helped in the creation of the government, highlighting the importance of the efforts exerted by the United States and by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.                 

The sources also mentioned that the mere presence of the government gives hope in stability; however, the series of explosions will not end before Hezbollah’s withdrawal from Syria.         

On another note, the sources stated that March 14 forces are adherent to their constants regarding the governmental statement, expressing their support to the Baabda Declaration, and their rejection to the “Army-People-Resistance” formula.       

• MP Hamadeh expresses gratitude to PM Salam                       

Deputy Marwan Hamadeh said on Sunday that March 14 forces are well-represented at the new cabinet, expressing his gratitude to former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and PM Tammam Salam.        

Hamadeh told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Seyassah that the governmental statement should be based on the Baabda Declaration in order to make from the Lebanese state the exclusive reference for political decisions, and from the military institution the only institution that possesses weapons.