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.
House Speaker Nabih Berri stated on Wednesday that signing the decree that calls on electoral bodies to hold parliamentary elections is a roadmap towards achieving the entitlement.
Al-Joumhouria newspaper stated that Speaker Berri reiterated his rejection to prolonging the parliament’s mandate, stressing the necessity of holding the elections on their due date.
Regarding the decision of Education Minister Elias Bou Saab to grant students certificates, Speaker Berri stated that deputies should pass a related law, emphasizing that deputies will only discuss the series of ranks and salaries if they convene a legislative session.
Berri added that the only item on parliament’s agenda will be the new wage hike, stressing that all other items will be discussed when deputies resolve this issue.
Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi praised on Wednesday the efforts exerted by security apparatuses to control the situation at the northeastern border town of Arsal.
Rifi told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper that the unity of Lebanese Armed Forces and security apparatuses is a great achievement for Lebanon, stressing that the country’s current situation is critical and requires greater awareness.
MP Nicolas Fattouch, who presented a draft law pertaining to the extension of parliament’s mandate for a second time, stated on Wednesday that signing a decree and calling on electoral bodies to prepare for the elections is unconstitutional, pointing out that the decree was signed after the constitutional deadline.
“Parliamentary elections should be held on due time, but the country’s situation is exceptional and extending parliament’s mandate is the only solution,” Fattouch told
Al-Liwaa newspaper.
Deputy Head of the Future Movement Antoine Andraos denied on Wednesday that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri received any threats during his stay in Lebanon, stressing that the latter decided to return to Lebanon to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and all Lebanese citizens in light of the tough circumstances the country is witnessing.
Andraos expressed via
As-Seyassah newspaper his concern in regards to Lebanese factions who did not find common grounds in terms of the election of a new president, expressing his astonishment that some officials are against extending the parliament’s mandate.
In this regard, Andraos noted that void at the presidential level, as well as disrupting the work of the parliament are part of "Hezbollah’s plan in Lebanon."
As for the talks that Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt is holding with Christian officials, Andraos noted that Jumblatt is trying to make benefit of this time since he is keen on the country’s interest.