Press Digest for Thursday March 27, 2014

3^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.

Speaker Berri says will call for cabinet's session to elect new president "at the right time"

Speaker Nabih Berri told al-Akhbar newspaper on Thursday that he will call for cabinet's session to elect a new president "at the right time".

He noted that he will hold deliberations with Lebanese leaders in this regard, mainly with President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Tammam Salam.

Berri added that he does not support any particular candidate for the presidency, stressing that he will only assume his responsibilities as Speaker in this regard.

LAF to put an end for security chaos in Tripoli, Bekaa-sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Thursday that the security plan for the northern city of Tripoli and the region of Bekaa discussed by the Supreme Council of Defense is the same plan submitted by former Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Same sources added that the Lebanese army took a final decision to put an end for the security chaos, mainly in Tripoli, noting that severe and tight procedures will be taken in this regard.

The sources concluded by saying that Kahwagi held talks with President Michel Sleiman over the procedures to be taken by the LAF.

Palestinian forces and factions to ratify security and political document for Lebanon's camps-sources

Sources told As-Safir newspaper on Thursday that the Palestinian forces and factions, as well as the Palestinian civil society are preparing to ratify " a security and political document for Lebanon's camps" in Ain el-Helweh refugee camp.

Sources added that the document establishes a road map for the Lebanese security and political dealing with the Palestinian camps related to addressing terrorism, as well dissociating the Palestinians from Lebanese and regional conflicts.

Sources concluded by saying that such document is the result of the efforts deployed by General Security head Major General Abbas Ibrahim.

International community supports election of new president in Lebanon-Un diplomat

An-Nahar newspaper quoted on Thursday a United Nations diplomat as saying that the international community supports the election of a new president in Lebanon.

The diplomat noted that the election process is "a pure Lebanese affair", adding that "Syria or any other country could not interfere in such issue."

According to the Daily, the diplomat stressed that the new president must be elected by Lebanese leaders "within the set constitutional deadlines."