Press Digest for Thursday June 06, 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.

• President Sleiman calls for the swift formation of the new government            

Sources told Al-Joumhouria Newspaper that President Michel Sleiman has called on the Lebanese parties to expedite the formation of the new government in order to avoid political vacuum.          

The same sources also reported that "all political parties are urging the Lebanese state to  take 'decisive' stances in regards to the incidents taking place in Syria and to the attacks targeting the Lebanese Armed Forces".      
      

• MP Jumblatt to tackle security situation in Tripoli with Hariri          

National Struggle Front leader Walid Jumblatt told al-Akhbar Daily that he will hold contacts with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri in order to tackle the security situation in the city of Tripoli.          

MP Jumblatt added in this regard that "all the parties should be convinced that opening fire at Jabal Mohsen will not topple the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad," noting that it only takes a toll on Tripoli itself.        
   

• Mikati says LAF to respond to sources of fire in Tripoli           

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati told al-Hayat Newspaper that "the Lebanese Armed Forces will immediately respond to sources of fire in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli".          

Mikati quoted the Army Command as saying that "army units deployed in Tripoli are ordered to maintain security," adding that a comprehensive plan is being implemented in this regard.          

Mikati also stressed that the Army Command briefed him on the said plan, calling on all parties to cooperate with the LAF and to avoid a new round of violence.             

• March 14 coalition voices concern over the Arsal incidents           

Well-informed sources told an-Nahar Daily that March 14 coalition is highly concerned with the Arsal incidents after a Syrian chopper launched yesterday (Wednesday) 6 missiles on the region of Kherbet Daoud in the northeastern town of Arsal.          

This attack comes in light of the Syrian Army's announcement whereby it declared complete control over the al-Qusayr area, a strategic post of rebels fighting to oust President Bashar Assad.              

In this regard, the March 14 coalition is raising questions about "the Lebanese state which remains silent in regards to the Syrian violations of Lebanon's sovereignty," noting that several meetings will be held to follow up on the situation in the border town of Arsal.