Press Digest for Sunday May 18, 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.

PM Salam reiterates importance of self dissociation policy

Prime Minister Tammam Salam told al-Hayat newspaper on Sunday that he still has hopes that an agreement will be reached on a new president for the country.

Salam warned the Christian leaders about any possible presidential vacuum in case lawmakers failed to elect a new head for the country.

On another note, Salam reiterated the importance of the self dissociation policy pertaining the regional crisis, mainly in Syria.

As for the Iranian-Saudi rapprochement, Salam told the daily that any possible dialogue between Iran and Saudi Arabia "will not have any direct impacts on the Lebanese scene."

Arab League Secretary-General al-Arabi: Arab League, UN, Syrian regime and opposition failed in dealing with Syria's crisis

The Arab League Secretary-General Nabil al-Arabi told al-Hayat newspaper on Sunday that the Arab League, the United Nations, the Syrian regime and the opposition failed in dealing with the Syrian crisis.

Al-Arabi ruled out any possible military intervention in Syria, adding that the solution relies in holding dialogue between the Syrian regime and the opposition.

He concluded by stressing to the daily the right of the Syrian people to demand change.

LF MP Zahra: Ongoing discussions in and outside Lebanon aim at facilitating the election of new president

Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra told al-Seyassah newspaper on Sunday that the ongoing discussions in and outside Lebanon aim at facilitating the elections of a new president.

MP Zahra added that March 8 camp will attend the next parliamentary session in order to lashing out at accusations of hindering the election of a new head for the country.

Zahra concluded by saying that the four main Christian leaders, (MP Michel Aoun, LF leader Samir Geagea, Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh and the Kataeb leader Amine Gemayel) are considered as "consensual candidates" for the presidency.

Saudi Foreign Minister al-Faisal to meet MP Walid Jumblatt in Paris-sources

Sources told al-Hayat newspaper on Sunday that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri met with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in Paris.

The same sources added that Geagea also met in Paris with the Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, who in turn is expected to meet with MP Walid Jumblatt.

According to the daily, discussions featured high during the meetings over the presidential elections in Lebanon amid fears of presidential vacuum.