Press Digest for Wednesday April 23, 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.

Future bloc MP Kabbara says will not vote in favor of LF leader Geagea

Future bloc MP Mohammad Kabbara stressed on Wednesday that he will not vote in favor of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in today's parliamentary session.

"He who refused to grant Geagea amnesty in 2005 will not elect him now as a president," MP Kabbara said in an interview with Al-Akhbar newspaper.

He also said that Tripoli's deputies will partake in Wednesday's first round of presidential elections, noting that coordination meetings will be held first to take a unified stance in this regard.

Former PM Mikati says will vote in favor of presidential candidate Henry Helou

Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Wednesday that he, and Tripoli deputy Ahmad Karami, will vote in favor of presidential candidate Henry Helou, noting that this decision is not binding to other Tripoli deputies.

Mikati also told Al-Joumhouria daily that he agreed with Tripoli MPs on a meeting to be held today at 11:30 am in al-Nejmeh Square in order to take a unified stance with regards to the presidential elections.

Washington does not support any Lebanese presidential candidate- sources

Senior US sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Wednesday that Washington does not support any Lebanese presidential candidate.

"We are only interested in the presidential elections being held on their due time in light of the critical phase overtaking Lebanon and the entire region," the sources said.

Former MP Souaid says March 14 coalition has proved to be a unified alliance

March 14 general-secretariat coordinator Fares Souaid said the nomination of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea by the Future bloc and the March 14 forces clearly indicates that the presidency is "a national battle par excellence".

Former MP Souaid also told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that the March 14 coalition has proved to be a unified alliance.

"The March 14 coalition confirmed that it is adamant on a national project in the face of the other regional ambitions," he said in reference to the March 8 alliance.