Press Digest for Friday May 23, 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.

Minister Machnouq says will tour Gulf states to encourage tourists

Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouq said on Friday that he supports the appointments of new employees in public administrations that were approved during Thursday's cabinet session.

Machnouq's comments were made in an interview with An-Nahar newspaper whereby he hailed the Ministry of Interior's suggestion to issue new biometric passports.

On another note, he stressed the importance of Syrian refugees in Lebanon voicing their political stances, noting however that the Ministry asked them not to hold political gatherings or public meetings that may "affect the country's security and stability."

He concluded by saying that he will tour Gulf states to encourage their nationals to come to Lebanon.

Minister Rifi: Ministry of Justice will most probably revoke legal notices against Jumblatt and Khashan

Minister of Justice Ashraf Rifi asserted to al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Friday that the Ministry of Justice received two legal notices against MP Walid Jumblatt and journalist Fares Khashan from a Lattakia court.

Rifi added that the legal notices were referred to the concerned courts in order to study them, noting that the Ministry "will most probably revoke these legal documents."

He concluded by saying that the Syrian regime had previously issued an all-inclusive pardon in 2013 that should cover all indictments against Jumblatt or Khashan.

Change and Reform bloc MPs will not boycott cabinet sessions-sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday that the Change and Reform bloc MPs will not boycott cabinet sessions after the expiry of President Michel Sleiman's term.

The same sources added that the bloc will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the steps that will be adopted during the presidential vacuum.

LF leader Geagea: MP Aoun has no chances to be elected president

Lebanese Forces leader and presidential candidate Samir Geagea told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday that he didn't expect any "surprises" during Thursday 's session tasked to elect a new president.

Geagea also voiced his regrets over Lebanese lawmakers failing to reach quorum once again during the last session.

He added that Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun has no chance to be elected president since his political and national agenda differs from that of the March 14 camp.