Press Digest for Saturday September 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 Hajjar says Future bloc will not boycott legislative sessions

Future Bloc MP Mohammad Hajjar stated on Saturday that there is no solution for the presidential deadlock at any time soon, pointing out that “the other party aims at obstructing the work of all institutions.”

In this regard, Hajjar assured via the Kuwaiti newspaper As-Seyassah that the Future Bloc will attend next week’s parliamentary session aimed at electing a new president.

As for the legislative session that may be held next week, MP Hajjar stated that in light of void at the presidential level, Future Bloc MPs will attend these sessions in order to resolve pending dossiers such as the series of ranks and salaries.

• MP Adwan to hold talks with Speaker Berri

Sources reported to An-Nahar newspaper that Head of the Lebanese Forces Parliamentary Bloc MP Georges Adwan will discuss in the upcoming 48 hours with House Speaker Nabih Berri the issue of holding a legislative session.

The sources stated that MP Adwan will discuss with Speaker Berri constitutional amendments pertaining to the parliamentary elections, adding that MP Adwan’s negotiations are positive and productive.

• Kataeb Ministers called on PM Salam to emergency cabinet meeting on Arsal - Minister

Economy and Trade Minister Alain Hakim stated on Saturday that Kataeb ministers had previously called on Prime Minister Tammam Salam to hold an emergency meeting for the cabinet to discuss the situation in Arsal and to support the Lebanese Army.

Hakim told Al-Liwaa newspaper that following yesterday’s developments PM Salam decided to hold an urgent meeting for the Central Security Council.

Meanwhile, sources denied knowledge about this meeting, but did not rule out the possibility of holding it, stressing that Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq is still in Moscow.