Press Digest for Wednesday December 17, 2014

3^min

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.

Future Movement officials to pay a visit to Riyadh-sources

Sources told As-Safir newspaper on Wednesday that some Future Movement officials will be paying a visit to the Saudi capital to discuss the presidential elections.

The same sources added that Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea may withdraw his candidacy for the presidential polls.

UN official says UN may help in setting maritime borders between Lebanon and Israel

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Jan Eliasson told As-Safir newspaper on Wednesday that the UN may help in setting the maritime borders between Lebanon and Israel.

He also noted that Lebanon and Israel must submit an official request to the UN in this regard; adding that Israel did not make the request until present.

LF MP Adwan: No breakthrough will be made soon in the presidential polls

Lebanese Forces MP Georges Adwan told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that the visit of LF leader Samir Geagea to Saudi Arabia was decided a long time ago, adding that the trip comes within "Geagea’s periodic visit to decision making countries."

As for the presidential elections, Adwan noted that the polls reached a deadlock, adding that a breakthrough in this regard will not be made soon.

Hariri meets Geagea, tackles wide range of issues-sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that the latest meeting held between former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in Saudi Arabia tackled a wide range of issues.

The same sources added that both officials tackled the developments in the region, mainly the Syrian and Iraqi crises.

According to the daily, Geagea and Hariri also held talks over the presidential elections, the arming of the Lebanese Armed Forces, the drafting of a new electoral law and the scheduled dialogue between Hezbollah and the Future Movement.