DAILY SCOPE: International, Diplomatic Mobility towards Lebanon to Preserve Stability

Local Editor

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES:

AS-SAFIR:

International Temptation to Turn Lebanon into "Souls Warehouse"

AL-AKHBAR:

Jumblatt Accuses Army, Moqbel of Internet Scandal

AN-NAHAR:

What is Behind the Western Rush towards Beirut?

AL-BINAA:

Assad Surprises World after Palmyra with Readiness for Early Presidential Elections

AD-DIYAR:

US-British Support to Army in Face of Terrorists, Jones to Ad-Diyar: A Message to Lebanon's Enemies

Beirut is witnessing an international mobility in terms of three major files including the Syrian refugees' file and the implicit naturalization rejected by Lebanon and supporting the Lebanese army in face of terrorism which comes simultaneously with the scandalous illegal internet networks that were exposed two weeks ago. Another important file included is the presidential impasse, which causes the country to be in ongoing paralysis; a topic that is expected to top the list on the agenda of a session that will be held in Bkirki by the Maronite patriarch this coming Monday.

These topics were discussed by Lebanese newspapers on Friday, with close follow up to the visits made by Western officials to Lebanon, who arrive in the country to discuss these matters and reportedly express their will to try to help resolve the presidential deadlock in the country.

AN-NAHAR: Western Mobility towards Lebanon to Resolve Stuck Files

Well-informed diplomatic sources following up on the increasing international and Western move towards Lebanon told An-Nahar newspaper on Friday that the overall initiatives, aid and stances conveyed by foreign delegations to Lebanon focus on three major issues which the Western and International community agree on, and these include: supporting the Lebanese army as a major pillar to preserve stability and confront terrorism, pressuring Lebanese political parties to bring the presidential impasse to an end and elect a president as soon as possible, and increase the support and aid related to the Syrian refugees' crisis which has become a big burden on the shoulders of the Lebanese people and threatens its infrastructure, economy and social status.

Meanwhile, sources told the newspaper that the designated visit of French President Francois Hollande in Mid-April will overpass protocols as he arrives with no president in office. His visit, according to the sources carries a major message that assures France's support to the Lebanese people and their perseverance in face of the Syrian war and its repercussions.

AL-BINAA: Hammond's Visit in Support of Lebanese Army in Face of Terrorism

Well-informed sources told al-Binaa newspaper that the visit of Britain's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond comes under the titles of "combatting terrorism, supporting the Lebanese army, and comes as part of the international and European context towards the region which aims at finding political solutions to the crises in the region."

The sources pointed out that "Britain continues to present constant support to the army to protect Lebanon's Southern borders with Syria, as well as to the army located at the Northern parts including Arsal."

Hammond ended a one day visit to Lebanon on Thursday. He met with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil who asserted that naturalizing the Syrians refugees is impossible. Hammond said he tackled with Salam the Lebanese economic and political situation, Britain's cooperation with Lebanon in facing terrorism, and the London Conference adopted plan to support Lebanon in the refugees' crisis.

AL-JOMHOURIA: Berri Resolute on Reviving Parliament Legislation

Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated on Thursday that he is resolute on reviving the parliament legislation, stressing that this comes in line with the national pact as the country needs such a measure during the current stage, his visitors told al-Jomhouria newspaper.

The House Speaker was quoted as saying that "the parliament session to which he will call for comes in line with the national pact."

Berri, according to the paper, pointed out that nothing can prevent the parliament from carrying out its duties and legislative work despite the presidential deadlock.

The efforts of Berri come as some parliamentary blocs said they were in favor of such a move while others completely rejected it in the absence of a president. Since the presidential seat became empty in May 2014, the legislature and the government have been paralyzed and hence Berri stressed he is seeking to get the legislature functioning after its regular term began this month.

Source: al-Ahed News