Press Digest for Monday June 16, 2014

4^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.

Interior Minister Mashnouq says Lebanon's security a 'red line'

Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq voiced on Monday his concern over the situation in a number of Palestinian camps, noting that he will do his utmost to uphold Lebanon's security.

Mashnouq said he will deliver a speech today as he will lay the foundation stone of a new building at the Roumieh prison, adding that his ministry will firmly deal with all those who undermine security.

In an interview with As-Safir newspaper, Mashnouq said he was adamant, since he took office, on fighting terrorism, pointing out that Lebanon's security is a red line.

MP Terro says Hariri-Jumblatt meeting will tackle outstanding issues

Democratic Gathering bloc MP Alaa Eddine Terro said on Monday that the meeting to be held in Paris between Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri and Democratic Gathering bloc leader MP Walid Jumblatt "may be of a great importance".

MP Terro said the meeting "aims to settle outstanding issues resulting from the presidential vacuum in Lebanon".

MP Terro also told Al-Liwaa daily that the meeting will stress the need to end power vacuum and will tackle the work of constitutional institutions as well as other key issues.

PM Salam says will call for cabinet session this week

Prime Minister Tammam Salam said on Monday that he intends to revive the government's work, noting that the Lebanese people's interests should not be suspended.

In this regard, Salam told An-Nahar daily that he will call for a cabinet session this week, adding that the security situation in Lebanon is controlled.

Speaker Berri slams attempts to disrupt Lebanese institutions

Speaker Nabih Berri slammed attempts to disrupt Lebanese institutions, warning that dangerous repercussions could ensue.

"If the work of a Lebanese authority was disrupted for a reason or another, it doesn't mean that other authorities should follow the same pattern," Berri told As-Safir daily on Monday.

He also noted that the pay scale formula he had suggested to Future bloc leader MP Fouad Siniora was "realistic and strikes a balance between revenues and expenditures".

"Attempts to delay the endorsement of the said formula are no longer justified," Berri said, urging all political forces to assume their responsibilities in the upcoming salary scale session scheduled for June 19.