Press Digest for Wednesday April 02, 2014

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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.

Salameh: Taxes required to fund ranks and salaries series form 4% of GDP

The governor of Banque du Liban Riad Salameh stressed that the taxes proposed to fund the series of ranks and salaries form 4% of Lebanon’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Will the state be able to collect 4% of additional taxes amid the current circumstances?” he asked, noting that he is not against the series, but he fears that the government will fail to ensure the needed funds.

In a statement to al-Joumhouria Daily, Salameh said that he seeks to prevent the series from raising the financial deficit once passed by the parliament, which will lead to an increase in the interest rate, consequently dragging the country towards economic stagnation.

“We seek to avoid further taxes amid the economic slowdown prevailing over the country that weakens Lebanon’s competitiveness,” he explained.

Vatican delegation visits officials in Lebanon -Sources

A source from the Vatican told al-Joumhouria Newspaper that the Vatican delegation dispatched by Pope Francis had arrived to Lebanon a few days ago, and has since visited the Apostolic Nunciature, Bkerke and a number of Maronite leaders, noting that the delegation is set to hold meetings with all the parliamentary blocs in a bid to urge them to hold the presidential elections in accordance with the constitutional deadlines.

According to the same source, Pope Francis is waiting for the report that will be submitted by the delegation, before he starts a new round of international talks with the United States, France and Russia, in order to overcome the international obstacles overshadowing the elections.

Geagea to announce candidacy for presidential elections within days

An-Nahar Daily reported that the head of the Lebanese Forces party Samir Geagea will announce his candidacy for the presidency by the end of the week, following consultations with the party’s officials.

The Daily added that Geagea's next step will be the announcement of his presidential program during a political conference.

In this regard, sources reported that the deputy Speaker Farid Makari informed Geagea that he supports his candidacy.

ADP official: Army forces are welcome in Jabal Mohsen

Member of the political bureau of the Arab Democratic Party Ali Fadda stressed that the implementation of the security plan in the region of Jabal Mohsen in Tripoli does not pose a problem to them.

He told al-Akhbar Daily that the Lebanese Armed Forces are welcome in Jabal Mohsen, stressing his keenness on the success of the security plan.