Press Digest for Friday March 15, 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.

• Sheikh Assir slams actions undertaken by members of Hezbollah              

Imam of Bilal bin Rabbah mosque Sheikh Ahmad Assir told As-Safir Newspaper that he condemns actions undertaken by Hezbollah members in the vicinity of the mosque, and added that he opposes Hezbollah and Iran since “they endeavor to secretly spread Shi'ism”.          

In this regard, Sheikh Assir stressed that he respects the measures taken by Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in terms of resistance but they part ways when it comes to the Syrian file.          

In addition, Sheikh Assir said that if he meets Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, it would send out a message of support to Hezbollah’s stance in regards to the Syrian regime.           

• Abou Faour calls on Arab States to shoulder their responsibilities regarding the displaced Syrians           

Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour warned against the growing number of the displaced Syrians in Lebanon, which according to him is “a ticking time bomb” posing a threat to the financial, social and security situation in the country.  He added that the number of refugees has reached over one million, 330 of which are receiving assistance.        

In this context, Abou Faour told Asharq al-Awsat Daily that the Arab States and the International Community should shoulder their responsibilities in regards to the displaced Syrians, noting that their number is roughly one third of the Lebanese population.           

In addition, Abou Faour said that the wide-spread status of the displaced Syrians in over 800 Lebanese areas undermines security, and pointed out to the hazards of human trafficking.       

• Speaker Berri: Elections at stake due to the security situation         

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed that the elections are at stake due to the security situation, and called on all parties not to sit idly by since the elections are inching closer.        

In this regard, Berri told An-Nahar Daily that he took into consideration the Lebanese Christians’ concerns, noting that he did not hurdle the Orthodox Gathering proposal.         

• Maura Connelly calls for holding parliamentary elections on their due date 

Well-informed US sources reported that Washington calls on all the Lebanese parties to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections on their due date.        

Sources told An-Nahar Newspaper that the efforts exerted by the US Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly aim at honoring the elections’ constitutional due date, adding that it was the same message voiced by the US Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the Bureau of Near East Affairs Lawrence Silverman during his visit to Beirut.