Press Digest for Saturday May 17, 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.

• Geagea will discuss presidential entitlement in France

Sources reported to Al-Akhbar newspaper that Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea was invited to France to discuss the presidential entitlement, as well as other economic and political issues.

The newspaper added that LF’s Geagea will tackle with French officials the Lebanese conflicts and the regional crises, pointing out that 2 other candidates had previously headed to France for the same purpose.

Al-Akhbar also noted that all candidates who headed to France will hold talks with consultants at the French presidency and the ministry of foreign affairs.

• France does not have any preferred presidential candidate - Sources

 Sources reported to Al-Mustaqbal newspaper that Paris does not have any preferred candidate for the presidential elections, adding that it will not veto any name.

The sources pointed out that France had previously clarified its stance regarding the presidential elections, expressing its hope that Lebanese factions elect a new president on due time.

“The French cabinet is confident that Lebanese factions are capable of holding the elections seemingly since they were able to form a cabinet without any regional or international interference,” the sources said. 

• Speaker Berri to hold consecutive legislative sessions – Sources

An-Nahar newspaper stated on Saturday that House Speaker Nabih Berri is considering the concept of holding consecutive legislative sessions on the 23rd and 24th of May if Lebanese deputies fail to elect a president during the session scheduled for May 22.

Meanwhile, Al-Hayat newspaper reported that House Speaker Berri may read out the letter he received yesterday (Friday) from President Michel Sleiman during next week’s session aimed at electing a president.

• British Ambassador says his country working to speed up presidential elections

Al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Saturday that Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri is tasked with holding talks with Lebanese factions to know more about their opinions regarding the presidential entitlement.

On another note, the newspaper quoted British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher as saying that regional conflicts may postpone the election of a president, stating that his country is cooperating with all Lebanese sides to speed up the electoral process.