Press Digest for Sunday June 15, 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.

Hariri and Jumblatt to discuss presidential vacuum-sources

Sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Sunday that the scheduled meeting between former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and MP Walid Jumblatt, as well the latest stances of MP Michel Aoun will form a new initiative to deal with the deadlock regarding the presidential vacuum.

The same sources added that discussions will also be revolved about Aoun's candidacy for the presidency and the possibility of Change and Reform bloc MPs attending the election session.

According to the daily, Hariri and Jumblatt will also hold talks with former president Michel Sleiman in Paris.

Minister of Telecommunications Boutros Harb: MP Michel Aoun is hindering the presidential elections

Minister of Telecommunications Boutros Harb told al-Anbaa newspaper on Sunday that the Lebanese leaders must not resort to world powers to deal with the presidential vacuum in the country.

He also stressed the importance of holding the presidential elections before the parliamentary votes.

According to the daily, Harb accused Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun of hindering the presidential elections

Minister Bassil: Leaders must elect new president as soon as possible

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil told Acharq al-Awsat newspaper on Sunday that the Lebanese leaders must elect a new president as soon as possible.

He also added that the presidential vacuum in the country must not hinder the holding of the parliamentary polls.

On another note, Bassil stressed the importance of taking care of the Lebanese Diaspora, adding that the Lebanese people living abroad are " a true wealth for Lebanon."

As for the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Bassil noted that Lebanon will not accept the establishment of legal camps for the refugees on its territories under the supervision of the United Nations.

Commenting on the Syrian presidential elections, Bassil said that the polls lack the International recognition, adding that some sides want to turn the Arab-Israeli conflict into a Sunnite-Shiite-Christian sedition.