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.
National Struggle Front leader Walid Jumblatt
told
as-Safir Daily that he is reassured over "the agreement that was
reached over the extension of the parliament's mandate since Lebanon's
security and stability are more important than the parliamentary
elections".
In this context, Jumblatt stressed that it
is required, at the time being, to protect the Lebanese Armed Forces, enabling
them to maintain the security for all the Lebanese people, mainly after the
incidents that took place in Tripoli and Arsal.
The UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon Robert Watkins voiced
his concern over the spillover of the Syrian crisis into Lebanon, noting that
"a real danger is looming," adding that "the United Nations is
concerned with the latest developments taking place in Lebanon" but
"the country is so far withstanding".
In this regard, Watkins told
Al-Joumhouria Newspaper that the Lebanese parties should abide by the Baabda
Declaration and the policy of dissociation in order to steer the country clear of potential hazards.
Sources told
an-Nahar Daily that the head of the
Future bloc MP Fouad Siniora held contacts with President Michel Sleiman and
telephoned Speaker Nabih Berri in order to discuss the Parliamentary Bureau's session.
Sources close
to the Future bloc reported that "the extension of parliament's mandate,
to be approved tomorrow (Friday), is only opposed by the Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun,"
adding that the March 14 coalition has agreed on the extension in light of the
deteriorating security situation in the country.
The guests of Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam quoted the latter as saying that "the agreement over the
extension of parliament's mandate will introduce many changes in regards to the
formation of the new government," which was previously tasked with
overseeing the upcoming parliamentary elections.
On another note, Salam told
al-Hayat Daily that the
Lebanese state and people are bearing heavy burdens in terms of social and
economic entitlements, stressing the need to settle the series of ranks and
salaries since "the file can no longer be deferred".
Prime Minister-Designate Salam also stressed
that he is adamant on having a good relation with all Lebanese political
parties, adding that he is keen on the formation of the new government, which
falls in the country's interest in light of the dire security situation.