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.
As-Safir Daily reported that
Washington considers the assassination of Wissam Hassan as a direct
target at it, noting that it is currently reconsidering its policy towards
Lebanon, despite the limited options available. The American administration pointed
that the current Lebanese government has practically fallen the moment of the
explosion; however, the US embassy in Beirut was instructed to be careful in
declaring any official position, since the situation in Lebanon is critical while neighboring countries deal with the Syrian crisis.
The newspaper noted that the
neutral cabinet option is the most acceptable now, but Washington still has
doubts regarding the ability of President Michel Sleiman to reach consensus
among Lebanese parties over such a cabinet and to control the security situation
in the Lebanese government. On the other hand,
As-Safir said that the American
administration praised the recent positions by President Sleiman, especially
during the funeral of Brig. Gen. Wissam Hassan.
In this context, an American
official told the Daily that the assassination of Hassan comes at critical time
for Lebanon, “the sectarian tensions increase, and the assassination should not
be a reason for more violence,” he added.
The leader of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt
stressed that the debate with the “blue team” [in reference to the Future
Movement] should not be categorized as a clash, adding that “he does not want
to clash with any party, not the Future, nor any other.”
Jumblatt addressed March 14 through
As-Safir Daily, saying: “reach
consensus over a new cabinet and I am with you.”
Commenting on March 14’s bet regarding a shift in the
American position, Jumblatt said: “Lebanon’s interest is above all.”
Presidential sources reported to
Acharq al-Awsat Daily that
the discussions conducted by President Michel Sleiman do not aim at the
formation of a new cabinet, but to look into the current situation and to find
a solution for the existing crisis.
The same sources said that the formation of a new cabinet
might be among the solutions, on the condition that all parties reach
an agreement, stressing that this matter is not considered as an essential issue.
In the same context, Environment Minister Nazem al-Khoury told
al-Joumhouria Newspaper that President Sleiman’s first concern is rushing in
holding the national dialogue sessions, prior to its scheduled date, to calm the
situation in the country.
Al-Khoury stressed that toppling the government in the
street is out of question, noting that all parties must reach consensus to
pave the way for a new cabinet.
- Arrest warrants in Zahle prison case to be issued today
An-Nahar Daily reported that the arrest warrants against
those involved in the Zahle prison case will be issued today, awaiting the
conclusion of investigations following the murder of an individual from the Zeaiter
clan.
The Daily noted that the investigation session for the prison’s
warden is scheduled for Wednesday, and it is expected that he will be imprisoned.
- Fidaa Itani to be released
during the next 24 hours
Sources close to the
Interior Ministry noted that Journalist Fidaa Itani, who was detained by the
Syrian opposition in Aazaz will be released during the next 24 hours.
The sources told
Acharq al-Awsat
Daily that the efforts deployed by Interior Minister Marwan Charbel reached
positive results regarding the release of Itani.
Journalist Fidaa Itani was
detained by the Syrian opposition and then delivered to Abou Ibrahim in Aazaz on
Saturday, due to his "suspicious work", as described by the Syrian rebels of Aazaz.