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.
Head of the Kataeb Party Amine Gemyael emphasized the importance of forming
a new cabinet in light of the political, economic, diplomatic, and social
entitlements.
Gemayel said that a technocrat government may not handle the situation
in light of the incidents that took place in Akkar, Beirut, and Sidon.
He added that the latter may not bear responsibility of the economic
situation resulting from unexpected strikes and demonstrations.
Talking to
Al-Akhbar newspaper, Gemayel said that a political
government might not represent all poles, but it may be able to represent the
Lebanese population seemingly since it can handle its responsibilities and
maintain the nation's integrity.
Gemayel stressed on the importance of holding parliamentary elections
on due time in light of the current law and pointed out that while Patriarch Rai did not
discuss any electoral law, he is respecting constitutional
deadlines.
Al-Joumhouria newspaper reported Saturday that President Sleiman will be delivering a speech whereby he will launch a series of
political and national stances related to the recent political and security
developments.
The newspaper added that the President
will stress on the importance of abiding by the Baabda agreement mainly in regards to the self-distancing policy adopted by the Lebanese government towards events in Syria.
Sources close to Premiere Najib Mikati said that the latter and
Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai held a closed meeting at
Bkerke on Friday the to discuss the electoral law, the boycott which disrupted national
dialogue and the work of the parliament.
In this context, Patriarch Rai expressed his point of view and stressed
the importance of respecting constitutional due dates.
Sources said to
Al-Joumhouria on Saturday that Patriarch Rai
emphasized the need of adopting a new electoral law that improves
representation in the country.
Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel said that Sidon will not become a
restricted military zone, but instead there will be an intensive deployment of security
forces and LAF to prevent the closure of the road.
Talking to
Al-Diyar Daily, Minister Charbel added that security forces and
mainly the Lebanese Army Forces will arrest any weapon holder in Sidon; "violating civil peace is unacceptable."
As for the upcoming parliamentary elections, Charbel said that so far, there is no
electoral law other than that of the 1960's, adding that he will be calling on
electoral bodies to meet next week since elections will take place in June 2013.
Sources close to the Progressive Socialist Party told
Al-Akhbar
newspaper on Saturday that the meeting between the Progressive Socialist Party delegation and the Head of Change
and Reform Bloc MP Michel Aoun was positive.
The sources added that a meeting with LF leader Samir Geagea will be
held next week, but the exact date was not determined yet.