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.
Several files that remain shelved, mainly that of the Pay Scale and the high living costs, are awaiting the follow-up of the new government.
In this regard, the Union Coordination Committee (UCC) and the General Labor Confederation are set to resume their movement.
The head of the General Labor Confederation Ghassan Ghosn told Al-Joumhouria daily on Tuesday that there are outstanding files from the former government, and said: "Providing social services, especially health insurance, is an urgent need in light of the dire economic and social situation".
In turn, the head of the Private Schools Teachers Association Nehme Mahfoud said the UCC will convene in the afternoon in a bid to follow up on the series of ranks and salaries".
An-Nahar newspaper reported on Tuesday that the first cabinet session under the new government, which will be held at the Baabda Palace at 11 am, will be short and will include one item, i.e. the formation of a committee to draft the ministerial statement.
The session is expected to begin with the speech of President Michel Sleiman, followed by Prime Minister Tammam Salam who will hope they could successfully accomplish their tasks.
Sources told As-Safir daily that the National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt has exerted efforts, during the last few hours, in order to pay the way for the "natural" issuance of the ministerial statement.
MP Jumblatt also dispatched Health Minister Wael Abou Faour to meet with Prime Minister Tammam Salam, the sources said, adding that "a way out formula," which does not include the defense strategy, the People-Army-Resistance equation and the Baabda Declaration, is being discussed.
The ministerial statement is set to only include the government's mission to prepare for the upcoming entitlements, represented by the need to hold the presidential elections and to address the security and economic situation, the sources added.
A source close to the Future bloc told Al-Mustaqbal daily on Tuesday that a meeting was held between former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun, noting that it does not come in line with any mediation talks with Hezbollah.
The same source commented on Aoun's statement that he met with Hariri and Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in order find common ground between rival parties, and said: "The meeting was held indeed at Hariri's residence in Paris".
The sources also said that the meeting tackled Lebanese political files, noting that it was an opportunity to exchange points of view but did not lead to any agreements on governmental files and other entitlements.