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.
National Struggle Front leader MP Walid
Jumblatt said that while he does not mind a governmental change, "it
should not occur upon the order of local or foreign parties," warning against
the dangers of a political void.
Jumblatt told
An-Nahar Daily on Wednesday
that he and President Michel Sleiman, House Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime
Minister Najib Mikati form a quartet.
“I will not agree that my ministers hand
in their resignation individually; this is not even an option,” he said
pointing out that if the current government resigns before having reached an agreement over on an
alternative government, “consultations will take place and I will, once again,
choose Mikati.”
Jumblatt’s initiative
On the initiative he launched, Jumblatt said
that it is an attempt to complement Sleiman’s efforts to reunite the Lebanese
and thus, revive national dialogue under the slogan: “No to sedition or
tensions; dialogue is the only way to reach a long-term solution.”
On another note, Jumblatt criticized the
stance of March 14 to boycott all sessions, adding that this coalition is now
doing exactly what it accused its rivals of doing in the past. “It is making
the same mistake March 8 made,” he said.
On elections
As for parliamentary elections, Jumblatt said
that they will be held on time. "There is absolutely no reason to postpone them." He said
that until now, elections will be held according to the 1960s electoral law, denying
claims that he partook in consultations over the electoral law based on 50 electoral
districts; a proposal endorsed by the Lebanese Forces and March 14's Christians.
On Syria
On the Syrian crisis, Jumblatt said that the
international community must be serious in assisting Syrian rebels; “it must
provide them with arms of good quality" In this regard, he voiced his support
to the newly-formed Syrian opposition coalition, considering that reports on
the formation of an Islamic Emirate in Aleppo were “unfounded.”
Al-Joumhouria Daily reported on Wednesday
that France decided to make the visit of PM Najib Mikati to Paris a success,
disregarding the feelings of March 14 leaders. In fact, the head of the coalition, former PM Saad Hariri was seen wandering a few meters away from Mikati’s
residence in Westin, near Place Concorde.
“Some of March 14’s leaders living or
visiting Paris responded directly by boycotting the reception held by the
Lebanese embassy in Paris on Independence Day; a dual message to all those who
feel concerned,” the Daily added.
According to well-informed sources, Mikati’s
meetings with French officials were excellent. “The man who decided to wear a
shield to protect himself from the opposition’s arrows was appreciated by
French officials who tested him many times, mainly in regards to the Special Tribunal
for Lebanon (STL); the man proved that he works for no one.”
The sources revealed that French Foreign Minister
Laurent Fabius warned that Lebanon is currently threatened by Syria, Iran and
Gaza. Fabius shared with Mikati his concerns over the French contingent
operating in south Lebanon if the area’s stability is shaken. Mikati
reassured him that no one wants to use the south and that the Lebanese state
and army are keen on protecting the UNIFIL.”
Al-Akhbar Daily quoted a source from the Kataeb
party on Wednesday as saying that MP Sami Gemayel resumed his contacts with Hezbollah
MPs after a long rupture.
The sources pointed out that Gemayel took this
step to ease tensions in the country and to find out the stance of his rivals regarding
a possible rescue government.” However, sources close to the MP denied these
allegations.
Al-Akhbar Daily reported Wednesday
that the price of arms across Lebanon’s southern coastline has increased in the
past few days.
According to the Daily, arms
dealers claimed that “repentant Muslim” singer Fadel Shaker ordered weapons in
large quantities, mainly small and medium weapons. They said that Shaker used
mediators to order weapons from Beirut southern suburbs (Dahiyeh).
Al-Akhbar Daily reported
on Wednesday that the children of a late security official have bought a piece of
land priced at $23 Million.
It is noteworthy
that the price of the property was paid in cash.