Press Digest for Wednesday July 23, 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.

• Berri says officials may not disrupt work of all constitutional institutions

As-Safir newspaper reported on Wednesday that House Speaker Nabih Berri assured to his visitors that he is keen on separating between presidential void and parliamentary work from one side and the work of the cabinet from another side, stressing that officials may not disrupt the work of all constitutional institutions.

According to the newspaper, Berri stated that the cabinet should not only follow up on citizens’ affairs, but should also work on maintaining the security situation in the country.

On another note, the newspaper mentioned that Berri insisted on resolving the issue of public sector wages; however, emphasized that all solutions for the said dossier should be passed in a legal manner.

• Salam says discussed with Berri means to organize work of cabinet

Prime Minister Tammam Salam stated on Wednesday that talks held with House Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday were mainly focused on means to organize the work of the cabinet, adding that the main goal is maintaining national pacts instead of disrupting the work of the people and the state.

Salam told An-Nahar newspaper that he discussed with Speaker Berri the issue pertaining to wages of public sector employees, pointing out that Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil will present an initiative on this dossier in the upcoming cabinet session scheduled for Thursday.

• Lebanon’s financial situation is stable - Minister

Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil reiterated on Wednesday his adherence to resolving the issue of public sector wages in a legal manner, pointing out that he called for discussing the said dossier during a cabinet session so all ministers may share responsibility in this issue.

Minister Hassan Khalil told As-Safir newspaper that the country’s monetary situation is stable due to the financial policies adopted by the ministry, emphasizing that wages will be paid as soon as officials secure the required legal coverage for the said dossier.

• Hezbollah’s Nasrallah will focus on Palestinian issue in Friday’s speech - Sources

Sources reported to Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that the Secretary General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah will briefly discuss the situation in Lebanon during his speech on Friday, adding that he will focus on the Palestinian issue and the rapid developments in the Gaza strip.

The newspaper added that Nasrallah will discuss Arab and international efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza.