Press Digest for Thursday March 13, 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.

• MP Houri: There is no cooperation between the Future Bloc and Hezbollah

Deputy Ammar Houri stated on Thursday there is no security cooperation between the Future Bloc and Hezbollah, pointing out that the Lebanese state should control the security situation in the country  and impose its authority on all Lebanese territories.                               

MP Houri told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Seyassah that the latest meeting held between a Hezbollah official and Former Internal Security Forces Major General Ashraf Rifi was formal seemingly since the latter is currently the Justice Minister.             

• Endorsing a policy statement serves March 14 forces

As-Safir newspaper reported on Thursday that Lebanese President Michel Sleiman will not let the issue of the policy statement lead to the resignation of the cabinet, pointing out that there are various means to resolve this matter.                 

In this regard, sources told the newspaper that Prime Minister Tammam Salam is willing to submit his resignation; however, Sleiman is exerting efforts to find a solution for the stated deadlock.                 

The newspaper also mentioned that endorsing a policy statement is for the benefit of March 14 forces seemingly since they are well represented at the current government, adding that this cabinet will take over the power in Lebanon in case the upcoming presidential elections were not held.            

• March 14 forces against PM Salam submitting his resignation               

Sources reported to An-Nahar newspaper on Thursday that March 14 forces are against Prime Minister Tammam Salam if he wants to submit his resignation, stressing that the country’s current situation requires dedication and commitment and the constitution does not justify the resignation.

The newspaper noted that Salam reported to March 14 forces that he is willing to resign in a bid to show his disapproval to the situation that the governmental issue has reached.         

• Three speeches will be delivered during the anniversary of March 14’s formation          

An-Nahar newspaper stated on Thursday that 3 speeches will be delivered during the anniversary of March 14’s formation which will be held on Friday afternoon at the Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center (BIEL).          

The newspaper stated that Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea, along with Kataeb MP Sami Gemayel will each deliver a speech.       

As for the third speech, the newspaper noted that it is yet to be determined whether it will be delivered by Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri or Fouad Siniora.