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.
In an interview with
Al Joumhouria Daily, Speaker Nabih Berri mocked March 14's campaign against Hezbollah saying: “It looks like this campaign is one of the 'national conditions' to attack a patriotic party like Hezbollah. This campaign might later attack the Amal Party or the Free Patriotic Movement. It’s such a shame.”
Berri also praised MP Nayla Tueni’s position from the accusations framing Hezbollah with the assassination of her father Gebran Tueni.
Berri added that Tueni was rational and objective when she urged Hezbollah to clarify its position, stressing that the party responded to her request and issued a statement in which it denied all the accusations.
Commenting on the electoral law issue, Berri emphasized that the 50 smaller districts draft law will not pass and warned that some parties are working on keeping the 60’s law.
“Over time and with the elections due date approaching, the 60’s law will become a fait accompli,” Berri stated.
Diplomatic sources told
Al Joumhouria Daily that the US informed Turkey that it is crucial to limit its military clashes with Syria because t"his will lead to the NATO’s involvement and will force it to interfere."
The sources added that NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced that the organization took the necessary measures to defend Turkey should the need arise.
The sources also revealed that US satellite pictures showed that the Syrian regime forces were not the only source firing missiles on Turkey which means that a third party is attempting to engage the Syrian regime and the Turkish government in war.
In an interview with
As Safir Daily, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said that it’s too soon to discuss the presidential elections, stressing that he admires President Michel Sleiman.
When asked about the electoral law deadline, Charbel told the daily that the 1st of January 2012 deadline is not for the parliament to ratify the electoral law but for the Interior Ministry to make all the technical, security, logistic and administrative preparations, as well as all the necessary arrangements to allow an expatriate participation.
Commenting on the security issue, Charbel stressed that the security plan in Bekaa to arrest all violators, especially kidnappers and thieves shall be resumed but refused to reveal the timing of the operations to preserve the "element of surprise."
Al Joumhouria Daily published on Wednesday that Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and LF Chief Samir Geagea held talks in KSA.
According to the daily, the discussions between the two reinforced March 14's agreements on the electoral law by giving the priority to the smaller districts proposal.
The Lebanese leaders also discussed current local and regional events.
MP Boutros Harb told
Al Joumhouria Newspaper that the assassination case of MP Gebran Tueini won’t be forgotten and that the purpose is not "smearing Hezbollah."
Harb added that he didn’t accuse Hezbollah of assassinating Toueni. "A new document that could help solve the case appeared and therefore March 14 is taking the necessary measures," he said.
Commenting on his assassination attempt, Harb said he holds Hezbollah accountable for its refusal to hand over the suspect and protecting him. He also denounced cabinet’s silence.