Press Digest for Wednesday July 16, 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.

UN official Derek Plumbly: Rockets fired toward Israel violate UN resolution 1701

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly told An-Nahar newspaper on Wednesday that the UN voiced concerns over the growing role of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

As for the launching of rockets from Lebanon towards Israel, Plumbly considered such attacks as "a flagrant violation" for the resolution 1701, adding that they "threaten the calm that has been prevailing in the region."

Plumbly reiterated the UN and the International community's support for Lebanon's stability and security, calling for the swift election of a new president for the country.

Speaker Berri calls for the election of a new president before "it is too late"

Speaker Nabih Berri told An-Nahar newspaper on Wednesday that the country "is in dire need" of a new president, calling for the swift election of a new head of state before "it is too late."

Berri also noted that the current dealing of the Lebanese leaders with the pending issues is driving the country into a state of "grave danger."

MP Zahra: LF will not partake in cabinet sessions unless for "absolutely necessary reasons"

MP Antoine Zahra asserted to Al-Seyassah newspaper on Wednesday that the Lebanese Forces party will not partake in any cabinet sessions amid the current presidential vacuum unless for "absolutely necessary reasons."

On another note, Zahra said that Israel and Iran are not willing to urge Hezbollah to withdraw from Syria, adding that the Lebanese-Israeli border will remain calm.

Battles between Hezbollah and Syrian opposition fighters to intensify-sources

Well informed sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Wednesday that the current battles between Hezbollah and the Syrian opposition fighters taking place near the Syrian-Lebanese border will intensify in the next few days.

The same sources voiced fears that the violent battles across the border will have direct repercussions inside Lebanon, such as the renewal of the clashes in the northern city of Tripoli.