Press Digest for Wednesday March 13, 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. 

• STL: Trials to start soon                                                     

Sources told As-Safir newspaper on Wednesday that the STL's pre-trial proceedings Judge Daniel Fransen will set in the coming days the dates to start trials.                                                

The Daily noted that the Court President Judge David Baragwanath ordered the court to abide by the set deadlines to complete the pre-trial procedures.     
                      

• Discussions underway between MP Siniora and MP Jumblatt                      

Sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Wednesday that Tuesday's meeting between Future bloc leader MP Fouad Siniora and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt to achieve a new electoral draft law was "good".                       

The Daily added that contacts are underway also with the rest of the March 14 components and Speaker Nabih Berri, in order to find a new electoral law.                             

• Hezbollah rejects hybrid draft law                    

Sources told Al-Liwaa newspaper on Wednesday that Hezbollah notified Speaker Nabih Berri about its rejection to the hybrid draft law.                            

The Daily added that Hezbollah expressed discontent concerning the hybrid draft law proposed by the Future bloc and MP Walid Jumblatt to reach consensus over a new electoral law.                            

• PM Mikati will not unseat Mufti Qabbani                          

Sources in the Grand Serail told Al-Liwaa newspaper that PM Najib Mikati will not unseat Grand Mufti Mohammad Rashid Qabbani for the time being.                          

The Daily pointed out that electing new members of the Higher Islamic Council at Dar al-Fatwa will divide the Sunnite confession amid the insistence of Dar al-Fatwa members to appeal the elections results.                            

• March 14 figures meet top US official in Awkar                        

Sources told Al Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the Bureau of Near East Affairs Lawrence Silverman held a meeting on Tuesday with March 14 figures.     
                     
The officials discussed the security threats imposed on Lebanon due to the bloodshed taking place in Syria and Lebanon's stances toward the issue.                          

The Daily added that the officials also tackled the upcoming parliamentary elections and the necessity of carrying them on their due time.