Press Digest for Sunday April 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 Jumblatt says his bloc will not accept new pay scale if funding sources were not clarified

National Struggle Front Leader MP Walid Jumblatt stated on Sunday that deputies of his parliamentary bloc will express their objection to the draft law of the series of ranks and salaries if the funding sources were not discussed clearly.

Jumblatt told An-Nahar newspaper that his bloc will not vote in support for the draft law if real reform plan were not launched at public administrations and institutions.

He also stated that his bloc will have a meeting on Monday to discuss the said issue.                   

In the same regard, An-Nahar newspaper reported that the Union Coordinating Committee will hold a meeting on Sunday at noon to discuss the series of ranks and salaries, seemingly since the joint parliamentary committees did not reveal details pertaining to the last formula that they agreed upon.                       

• Security plan will cover all Lebanese regions - Sources

Sources following up on the implementation of the security plan reported on Sunday that the said plan is being fully implemented in Tripoli and will cover all Lebanese regions.                     

In this regard, the sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that a plan will be put in forces in South Beirut’s Dahiyeh region and in Tariq el-Jdide, stressing that security forces have a “green light” to enter into all Lebanese regions.        

The sources also mentioned that the plan garnered an internal, regional, and international political cover, stressing that it is not related to the arms of Hezbollah since they are part of the defense strategy.          

• MP Marouni says Amine Gemayel candidate for presidential elections

Kataeb Party MP Elie Marouni stated on Sunday that there is nothing clear regarding the upcoming presidential elections, seemingly since March 14 forces did not yet gather and nominate their candidate.            

Marouni told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Seyassah that the Kataeb party considers Amine Gemayel as a candidate, pointing out that the party is still waiting for March 14’s decision.         

He also stated that Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea’s candidacy for the elections is something normal, stressing that the latter aimed at highlighting the importance of the said entitlement.