Press Digest for Sunday July 20, 2014

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.

• MP Aoun says Hariri’s initiative will not end presidential deadlock

Change and Reform Bloc MP Alain Aoun stated on Sunday that the initiative of Future Movement Leader former Prime Minister Saad Hariri will not lead to a solution for the presidential deadlock.

MP Aoun told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the latest speech delivered by Hariri had contradictions at various levels, pointing out that the latter voiced his keenness on parity and partnership among Lebanese factions; however, criticized the initiative that aims at electing a president directly from the people.

• Geagea rejects latest speech delivered by PSP leader MP Jumblatt

Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea stated on Sunday that he did not yet withdraw his candidacy; however, emphasized that he is ready to withdraw it if a better person submits his candidacy.

Geagea expressed via Al-Hayat newspaper his rejection to the latest speech delivered by Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt in which he stated that both March 8 and March 14 forces are hindering the presidential elections.

Geagea also hailed the initiative launched by Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, stressing that the country’s priority is the election of a new president.

• MP Aawar says Hariri did not tackle anything new in his speech

Change and Reform Bloc MP Fady Aawar stated on Sunday that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri did not discuss anything new in his latest speech, adding that the latter increased his extremism when dealing with issues pertaining to Hezbollah.

MP Aawar told the Kuwaiti newspaper As-Seyassah that Hariri’s extremism is manifested in his rejection to holding the parliamentary elections before the presidential elections.