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.
Deputy head of the Future Movement Antoine Andraos called Friday on Lebanese factions to wait for the announcement of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, pointing out that the latter is a moderate Sunni leader who also garners the support of Christians in Lebanon.
Andraos told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper that discussions between the Future movement and Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun are continuous; however, emphasized that MP Aoun’s initiative which aims at electing a president directly from the people is rejected.
In the same context, Andraos told the newspaper that Hariri tasked MP Aoun with holding talks with other Christian factions, but the latter refused.
On another note, Andraos ruled out the possibility of resolving conflicts pertaining to the series of ranks and salaries soon, adding that the only solution is manifested by electing a new president in order to maintain the work of constitutional institutions.
Security sources reported to
As-Safir newspaper that Lebanese Armed Forces will fully implement all items of the security plan in Tripoli, adding that soldiers will pursue perpetrators and will refer them to concerned authorities.
The sources also reported to the newspaper that LAF units will protect all those who participate in peaceful movements; however, emphasized that soldiers will not accept that citizens cut-off roads in Tripoli.
Sources reported to
An-Nahar newspaper that former Prime Minister Najib Mikati does not support holding parliamentary elections before ending the presidential deadlock.
In this regard, former PM Mikati called via
An-Nahar newspaper on all Lebanese factions to address the upcoming entitlements in a serious manner, adding that parliament should convene at the soonest possible to carry out its duties seemingly since it is hindering the work of the cabinet.
“Obstructing the cabinet’s work is unacceptable at a time when the country is witnessing presidential void,” Mikati said.
Al-Akhbar newspaper reported that the speech of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri during the annual Iftar banquet of the Future movement which will be held today (Friday) may be an important development that aims at ending the country’s current situation.
In this regard, March 8 sources expressed their hope that Hariri’s speech be positive; however, ruled out the chance of it making a positive change at the regional level.
Meanwhile, March 14 sources said that Hariri will not nominate any Christian candidate for presidency, stressing that he supports Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea’s candidacy.
The sources added that Hariri will tackle in his speech the presidential entitlement as well as the latest initiative proposed by LF chief Samir Geagea.