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.
Christian sources at the March 14 coalition reported to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the upcoming weeks will be critical at the presidential level, stressing that France, Saudi Arabia, and the Vatican are exerting pressure on Lebanese officials to end the presidential deadlock.
The sources also noted that Lebanese people will not start the upcoming year with void at the first presidency; however, ruled out that chance of Lebanese Armed Forces Chief Major General Jean Kahwagi to become president.
Deputy Michel Moussa stated on Sunday that the current positive atmosphere may lead to the election of a new president.
In this regard, Moussa told the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that "US-Iranian negotiations, along with dialogue between Hezbollah and the Future movement are indicators that the presidential elections will be held soon."
Moussa also stated that Hezbollah and the Future movement will set the agenda of dialogue sessions; however, emphasized that this step will have positive repercussions on the presidential entitlement.