Press Digest for Saturday May 03, 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.

• France’s Hollande informed President Sleiman on intention to contact Jumblatt

Al-Joumhouria newspaper reported on Saturday that French President Francois Hollande contacted in the past few days Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt, stressing the necessity of holding the presidential elections on due date.

The newspaper stated that Hollande had previously informed President Michel Sleiman informing him that he will discuss the presidential entitlement with MP Jumblatt, and will also work with various Lebanese factions in order to ensure quorum to elect a new president.

• MP Geagea met Hariri in Paris - Sources

Al-Joumhouria newspaper quoted on Saturday sources as saying that a meeting was held between Lebanese Forces MP Setrida Geagea and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri at his residence in Paris, adding that another meeting was held between Hariri and former Foreign Affairs Minister Fares Boueiz.

The sources told the newspaper that talks with Hariri focused on the presidential dossier as well as the talks that he held with Foreign Affairs Minister Gebran Bassil.

• Berri says political divisions hindering electoral process

House Speaker Nabih Berri expressed his concern on Saturday over lack of quorum in parliamentary sessions stating that if the scenario of last week were  repeated in the upcoming session this week, void may be witnessed at the presidential level.

Berri told Al-Akhbar newspaper that he will wait for the result of the parliamentary session scheduled for the 7th of May, expressing his hopes that March 8 forces attend the session to ensure the quorum and cast their votes.

He also told the newspaper that political divisions among Lebanese factions are the main reason behind lack of quorum seemingly since no political party by itself may ensure two-thirds of the quorum.

• Political factions to ask Rai not to travel to Holy Land - Sources
  

Al-Akhbar newspaper stated on Saturday that various political factions will exert efforts to convince Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai not to join Pope Francis in his visit to the Holy Land.

In this regard, sources told the newspaper that Israeli forces will have to approve Rai’s decision, adding that Israeli authorities will be using this issue in the framework of their propaganda.