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.
The Future Bloc convened on Monday following the arrival of former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora from Paris where he met with former PM Saad Hariri and Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea.
In this regard, sources reported to
An-Nahar newspaper that the bloc discussed the presidential entitlement, emphasizing that LF’s Geagea is still the prime candidate of the March 14 forces.
The sources added that the bloc’s main concern is preventing void, pointing out that it will cooperate with all Lebanese factions, including Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun, in order to elect a president.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam headed on Monday to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in an official visit and met upon his arrival former PM Saad Hariri who had come from Paris to hold talks.
Salam told
An-Nahar newspaper that Saudi Arabia has long been supporting Lebanon, pointing out that the meetings that were previously held in Taif ended up for the benefit of Lebanon.
Regarding the presidential entitlement, PM Salam emphasized that this dossier is an internal affair; however, stressed that Lebanese parties should consider the regional crises affecting Lebanon.
MP Farid Khazen stated on Tuesday that the Change and Reform Bloc is considering its participation in Thursday’s parliamentary session to elect a new president, adding that this issue will be discussed during the bloc’s weekly meeting this afternoon.
Khazen told the Kuwaiti newspaper
Al-Rai that the bloc did not participate in previous parliamentary sessions seemingly since it was planning for talks with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
Sources reported to
As-Safir newspaper that Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal told Lebanese officials that he is against Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun’s presidential candidacy, stressing the necessity of electing a consensual president.
In this regard, the sources told the newspaper that it is not clear whether Minister al-Faisal was stating his own opinion regarding Aoun’s candidacy or the stance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding that Saudi officials voiced their support for dialogue between MP Aoun and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
March 8 sources told
Al-Akhbar newspaper that deputies of the stated coalition will not attend Thursday’s session aimed at electing a new president seemingly since an agreement was not reached with the March 14 forces over a consensual candidate.
The sources added to the newspaper that “vacuum will be witnessed at the presidential level unless a 'miracle' occurs throughout the week.”