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.
Deputy Fady Karam stated on Tuesday that the Lebanese Forces are against extending the mandate of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, considering that this issue violates the constitution seemingly since there are various candidates running for presidency.
“We can elect a president from these candidates in accordance with the constitution,” Karam told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper.
MP Karam also stated that there is a Christian consensus over the extension of the president’s term, stating that all Lebanese factions discussed this issue, pointing out that the Lebanese Forces are against any constitutional amendments.
Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil told
As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that passing the series of ranks and salaries is a major component to maintain Lebanon’s economic, social, financial, and political status.
“We are seeking a formula that ensures the rights of teachers, employees, and soldiers and at the same time maintains the country’s financial balance and monetary stability,” Minister Khalil said.
In the same regard, Khalil said that the Development and Liberation bloc will not support any project that aims at increasing the value-added tax.
Hezbollah sources stated on Tuesday that extending the mandate of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman is rejected, stressing that efforts are being exerted to elect a new president before the 25th of May.
“Either we elect a president on due time, or we wait for a certain settlement to reach consensus over a president,” the sources said.
The sources told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper that the cabinet of Prime Minister Tammam Salam will control the situation in the country if a president is not elected, stressing that all components of the government are working in harmony seemingly since national consensus is dominating over regional conflicts.
Sources reported to
Al-Joumhouria newspaper that the cabinet session, which will be held on Friday, will not have any item pertaining to administrative appointments on its agenda, stressing that Lebanese President Michel Sleiman will not attend the session, but instead, will be spending his day in the Chouf presidential residence.
The sources stated that National Struggle Front Leader MP Walid Jumblatt will be holding a banquette for President Sleiman, along with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai over the reconciliation that was reached in the Chouf town of Brih.
The sources added that President Sleiman will be heading later to Deir el-Qamar to participate in the inauguration of the “President Michel Sleiman Governmental Hospital”.