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.
A member
from the March 8 delegation who visited Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam
said that the meeting’s atmosphere was positive adding that talks were frank and honest seemingly since each person expressed his point of view.
In this context,
the source said that PM-Designate Salam called for the formation of a neutral
cabinet whereas the delegation reiterated its support to a political cabinet.
The source
told
An-Nahar newspaper that PM-Designate Salam assured that the names mentioned
by media outlets are not official adding that the delegation does not support
those persons as ministers because they are not neutral.
Sources close to Prime Minister-Designate
Tammam Salam told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper that there is no specific date to
form the cabinet and rejected to link between the formation of the cabinet and the
electoral law seemingly since these two files are separate.
The sources added that PM-Designate Salam is
proceeding in his work pointing out that he received at his residence on Sunday
delegations from various Lebanese regions.
Change and Reform Bloc MP Alain Aoun said
that the Future Bloc’s suggestion to form a new electoral law that "adjusts" the
Christian representation is considered as a positive step in regards to the
relation between the two parties.
MP Aoun told
Al-Liwaa newspaper that the 1960’s
electoral law would remain in force so long as another electoral law is not
agreed upon by the parliament adding that suspending electoral deadlines was a
means to prevent the victory of uncontested candidates.
In this regard, MP Aoun said that on the 19th
of May, either deputies would have agreed upon a new electoral law or they will
be heading to the Parliament’s General Authority to vote on the Orthodox Gathering’s
electoral law.
Sources close to Prime Minister-Designate
Tammam Salam told
Al-Liwaa newspaper that there isn’t any close date for Salam’s
visit to the Baabda Palace seemingly since the draft of the new cabinet is not
ready yet.
The sources added that the meeting between
PM-Designate Salam and the March 8 delegation was positive, especially since
Salam expressed his openness to all ideas stressing that he is working for the sake of national interest.
Sources added that MP Salam is abiding by the
constitution in regards to the formation of the cabinet and stressed that he
will not accept the fact of imposing names and conditions in this regard.
Sources close to Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam told
As-Safir
newspaper that the latter’s main aim is to form a homogeneous team that works
for the interest of Lebanon without being directly related to any political force.
In this context, the sources said that MP Salam insists that political
forces do not directly interfere in the formation of the cabinet as well as the
distribution of names and portfolios.