Press Digest for Friday March 07, 2014

4^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.

Abou Faour: We hope Friday's session will be the last one

Health Minister Wael Abou Faour told As-Safir daily on Friday that there is nothing new regarding the ministerial statement, noting that formulas proposed by National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt and Speaker Nabih Berri may be approved by all parties.

"For this end, the Lebanese parties should have a political will to resolve cabinet issues," Abou Faour said.

He also hoped the session to be held today by the ministerial statement drafting committee will be the last one, adding however that there is no signs of breakthrough.

Hezbollah does not intend to re-open debate with President Sleiman- sources

Parliamentary sources in the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc told Al-Liwaa newspaper on Friday that Hezbollah does not intend to re-open the debate with President Michel Sleiman, noting that the latter had made his statement and the group responded.

"Therefore, there is no need to provide further media analysis over the relation between both parties, denying any boycott between Baabda and Harek Hreik.

The sources added that "the 'other party' has reassured Hezbollah about the ministerial statement to be finalized early next week," and said: "Positive signs will emerge in today's session or in the one to be held next week".

President Sleiman holds contacts over ministerial statement

As-Safir newspaper reported on Friday that the ministerial statement drafting committee is set to convene today at the Grand Serail amid positive signs that an understanding could be reached between its members.

In this regard, several contacts were held between the concerned parties with Health Minister Wael Abou Faour visiting Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday night in the presence of Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil.

Sources also told the daily that President Michel Sleiman held contacts from Paris in a bid to settle outstanding issues regarding the ministerial statement.

Labor Minister Azzi to submit new proposal during Friday's session

Labor Minister Sajaan Azzi told As-Safir daily that he will submit a new proposal during Friday's session of the ministerial statement drafting committee.

The proposal is linked to the Lebanese state's relation with the Resistance, the minister said, but refused to disclose it.