Press Digest for Monday March 23, 2015

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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.

Lebanon’s Grand Mufti holds all parties responsible for addressing violence

Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian slammed on Monday "the ones spreading violence in foreign countries in the name of religion, asking 'what kind of Islamic interest lies in their acts?'."

In an interview with Al-Hayat newspaper, Derian said “moderation implies strength as it is an Islamic and religious way of thinking followed by the majority of Muslims and non-Muslims alike”.

“The strength of moderation can never be weakened by terrorist crimes committed in the name of religion,” Mufti Derian said, adding “all parties are jointly responsible for addressing violence and terrorism”.

France’s Le Derian says program of cooperation with Lebanon to span over 3 years

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Derian told Asharq Al-Awsat daily on Monday that “a program of special cooperation between Lebanon and France, in the framework of the $ 3 billion Saudi grant, is expected to span over at least three years”.

The newspaper said Le Derian will visit the Lebanese capital Beirut soon, noting that his visit will coincide with the arrival of the first batch of weapons Lebanon has purchased from France in the Saudi-funded deal.

The daily also quoted sources close to the Defense Ministry as saying that “battleships and choppers will be delivered to the Lebanese Armed Forces in the final phase”.

Future bloc MP Houry says dialogue with Hezbollah ongoing ‘under all circumstances’

Future bloc MP Ammar Houry said “the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) aims to protect the future of the country's political scene,” noting “we will continue to rely on the tribunal until the truth is revealed”.

In an interview with Al-Joumhouria newspaper, Houry also said that dialogue between Hezbollah and the Future Movement will continue to be held under all circumstances”.

“We had been engaged in dialogue, since the beginning, knowing the size of differences with the group,” MP Houry said, adding “many of the controversial items are not under discussion”.

Qatar, KSA pushing for UNHRC condemnation of Hezbollah

“Qatar and Saudi Arabia are leading a campaign for the adoption of a statement by the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva that condemns Hezbollah's involvement in Syria,” As-Safir newspaper reported on Monday.

The daily said the two Gulf countries are seeking to include a clause in the closing statement of the council's annual meeting to denounce Hezbollah’s participation in the Syrian war.

But Lebanon's foreign ministry has held contacts with several member states and entered a diplomatic battle in order to stop such a move, the newspaper added.