Press Digest for Tuesday April 24, 2012

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. 

• ISF investigation to reveal Geagea assassination plot details

Sources close to March 14 coalition told An-Nahar that the Internal Security Forces will reveal all hidden details in assassination plot against the head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea.

The sources added that the investigation will replace the “assassination plot” with “shooting attempt” as order by President Michel Sleiman in order to close the files and reduce all political tensions.

Sleiman’s decision raised many questions amid March 14 leaders.  

• Jumblatt asked to meet with Hariri in Saudi Arabia

Sources close to the Saudi regime told al-Akhbar newspaper that the head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt is not on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, adding that Jumblatt will meet with Saudi FM Saoud al Faysal.

The sources revealed that the Saudi King Abdullah met with former PM Saad Hariri and discussed the relationship with Jumblatt, adding that Hariri gave a positive feedback on Jumblatt.

The sources considered that Jumblatt’s visit to Saudi Arabia will not have any impact on the Lebanese political scene especially in issues related to the current government as Jumblatt has refused any discussion in this regard.  

• OGERO employee accused of collaborating with Israel

Security sources revealed to al-Akhbar that the Army Intelligence questioned an OGERO employee accused of collaborating with Israel.

The investigations revealed that the doubts were misplaced and all accusation against the employee where false.    

• Northern Lebanon faces an edgy situation

Security sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that the current situation in Tripoli is alarming and might explode at any second, adding that the shooting incident that occurred during the protest against the Syrian regime pushed Tripoli into a new scenario with different available outcomes.

The security sources told the newspaper that all citizens should be granted the freedom of expression and movement if they are rallying with the Syrian regime or against it and that there is no need to import foreign tensions to the local political scene.