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.
Speaker Nabih Berri told
As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that he is adamant on holding the General Authority session on Wednesday, noting that he will be open to all ideas and suggestions.
Speaker Berri added that he will stop all "unserious" draft law proposals, calling on the Lebanese leaders to assume their national responsibilities.
In this context, sources revealed to the Daily that the Kataeb party might also boycott Wednesday's session along the National Struggle Front MPs and outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
On the formation of the new government, Speaker Berri slammed the 8-8-8 formula, saying that it does not grant the Lebanese factions apt representation.
Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam asserted to
al-Liwaa newspaper on Tuesday that the last meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri was "positive" and aimed to "break the ice" between the two and was an opportunity to discuss the 8-8-8 formula.
In this context, sources revealed to the Daily that no solutions were reached during the meeting in regards to the formation of the new government.
Sources added that Speaker Berri reiterated to PM-Designate Salam March 8's stances pertaining to the new government's formula, mainly the blocking third.
Future MP Ahmad Fatfat told
Al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Monday that the inclusion of the Orthodox Gathering's draft law in the agenda of Wednesday's session, as being the only item, violates the rules of procedures in the parliament.
MP Fatfat noted that Speaker Berri solely took charge of setting the agenda of the General Authority session and distributed it irregularly.
He added that Speaker Berri is drifting the country into a "serious national crisis", expecting the boycott of the Future bloc on Wednesday's session.
Sources asserted to
An-Nahar newspaper on Monday that the Kataeb party will attend the General Authority session on Wednesday.
Sources added that the party along with the National Struggle Front bloc will deploy during the session all possible efforts to reach a common ground pertaining to the hybrid draft law.
Same sources noted that the Katateb party and the Progressive Socialist party will submit a new version of the hybrid draft law before Wednesday's session to supersede the Orthodox Gathering's draft law.
In this context, sources close to the Future party said that the bloc expects that Wednesday's session will fail to reach quorum.