Press Digest for Saturday March 09, 2013

 
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.

                  

• Arab states slam Minister Mansour's statements on Syria        

Top ranks sources in March 14 told Al-Liwaa newspaper on Saturday that the recent stances of Foreign Ministe Adnan Mansour over Syria were highly criticized in Arab States, mainly the gulf countries.             

According to the Daily, these countries urged Lebanon not to contradict Prime Minister Najib Mikati's policy of "dissociation" from the conflict in Lebanon's neighbor.                   

The sources warned that Lebanon's failure to abide by the dissociation policy could harm the interests of thousands of Lebanese working in Gulf countries.                

• MPs at odds over Cabinet's extension            

Well informed sources told Al Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday that MPs are clinching a bailout pertaining the mandate of the current Cabinet.                  

MPs did not rule out the possibility of extending the  Cabinet's mandate should Lebanese parties not reach any consensus over new electoral draft law.                       

• March 14 independent figures convene,  discuss upcoming elections                 

MP Boutros Harb reported to An-Nahar newspaper on Saturday that the independent figures of March 14 convened in his residence to discuss the latest developments and upcoming parliamentary elections.                       
The officials tackled ways to reach consensus over new electoral draft law which provide apt representation of Christians and preserves the national unity.                        

• Geagea approves on hybrid draft law  

Sources told Al Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday that Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea is expected to announce his approval  on the hybrid draft law within the coming days.                   

The  sources added that March 14 agreed that the best electoral law at the moment is a hybrid law. 
                    

• PM Mikati's letter to FM Mansour, formal procedure            

Sources reported to Al Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday that the opposition undermined PM Mikati's letter sent to FM Mansour, saying that it is a formal procedure.                      

The sources added that the opposition urged PM Mikati to take further procedures against FM Mansour  over his recent stances on Syria.