Press Digest for Wednesday December 24, 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.

Hezbollah-Future dialogue underscores need to combat terrorism

Well-informed sources reported on Wednesday that the meeting between Hezbollah and the Future Movement touched on numerous topics, noting that it has set an agenda with the headline being related to the fight against terrorism.

Other tasks on the agenda include the means to revive the work of constitutional institutions and face the risk of sectarian sedition.

Sources close to Speaker Nabih Berri also told As-Safir newspaper that the main mission of the first dialogue session has been totally accomplished while Future Movement sources said all parties were willing to hold dialogue that serves the country’s interests.

MP Alain Aoun says concept of Hezbollah-Future dialogue ‘a positive sign’

Change and Reform Bloc MP Alain Aoun said on Wednesday that the concept of holding dialogue between Hezbollah and the Future Movement constitutes a positive sign.

In an interview with Al-Joumhouria daily, MP Aoun noted that the dialogue will contribute to easing tension between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims, saying “both sides are tackling major topics but cannot decide on the presidential file without taking into account the opinion of the Christian community”.

MP Aoun also denied that parties would reach a deal regarding the presidential elections at the expense of the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces party since “they are unable to overcome the partnership of Christians”.

Christian sources say Geagea-Aoun meeting ‘forthcoming’

Christian sources working on a possible meeting between Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun and Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea said on Wednesday that their meeting is forthcoming.

“The Geagea-Aoun meeting may take place between the Christmas holiday and the New Year, the sources told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.

They added that internal, regional and international pressure is being put on the parties concerned with the presidential entitlement in order to hold the elections the soonest possible.