Press Digest for Monday May 05, 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.

Dialogue will not yield positive results- Hezbollah sources

Sources close to Hezbollah reported on Monday that the group had decided not to partake in any dialogue sessions, noting that it will boycott the talks held today.

"Dialogue sessions will not yield any positive results at the time being," the same sources told Al-Joumhouria daily.

"The dialogue being currently held is useless and will not pay off. It is a waste of time in light of the current circumstances," the sources added.

Kataeb leader Gemayel to announce candidacy for presidential elections- sources

Sources told Al-Liwaa newspaper on Monday that the Kataeb party leader Amin Gemayel will announce his candidacy today for the presidential elections.

"Gemayel's candidacy will be officially announced at the Kataeb Central House in Saifi, during the weekly meeting of the party's political bureau," the sources said.

"Gemayel has information that Speaker Nabih Berri and National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt will support him in the electoral process," Kataeb sources reported.

FM Bassil meets with Hezbollah official Safa over presidential elections

Al-Akhbar daily reported on Monday that Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil held a meeting with Hezbollah Liaison and Coordination official, Wafik Safa with talks featuring high on the presidential elections.

In this regard, Bassil briefed Safa on the outcome of his latest meeting with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the results of talks between the Future bloc and the Free Patriotic Movement.

"Bassil told Safa that the FPM leadership was reassured with contacts held with the Future bloc," sources told the daily.

Cardinal Rai slams Lebanese people's reaction to his visit to Holy Land

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai slammed on Monday negative reactions to his visit to the Holy Land, noting that he abides by the Lebanese laws.

"I am fully aware that Israel is an enemy state that occupies Lebanese territories," Cardinal Rai told An-Nahar daily, adding that no meetings will be held with Israeli figures.