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.
Army
Commander Jean Kahwaji highlighted the status of the military institution,
confirming that no one is allowed to lower its dignity.
In
a statement to
As-Safir daily, Kahwaji confirmed that the military institution is
adamant to fulfill its obligation so that life in Tripoli returns to normal as the
streets become rid of all type of arms.
The army commander stressed that the army is at
everyone’s service, with no exception, and does not side with any particular
party or support any faction at the expense of another.
Addressing
politicians, Kahwaji said “there is a key task that politicians, especially
those [having influence] on armed men, should fulfill. The onus is on them to
withdraw armed men [from Tripoli streets], [steer clear of] high-toned
political rhetoric, contribute to stability and security, get rid
of tension and its triggers, and to create an environment that embraces the
army that was and still is the first and last haven for all the Lebanese.”
Al-Akhbar
daily reported that Osbat al-Ansar had provided fake ID cards for the Mujahideen
emigrating from Ain al-Helweh camp, adding that the immigrants had passed by the
army checkpoint and produced those identity cards.
Palestinian
sources told the daily that the Mujahideen were equipped with explosive belts packed
with several explosives.
According
to recent estimates, 24 immigrants were detected as security information suggest
the presence of a new group gearing up to leave the camp within the framework
of groups migrating to Syria.
Al-Akhbar
daily reported that the migration of the Mujahideen was not limited to Ain
al-Helweh camp since dozens of citizens from the north of Lebanon have heeded
the call to combat from the moment Syria was announced the land of Jihad to
bring down the regime.
The
daily added that the announcement coincided with an appeal by al-Qaeda leader
Ayman al-Zawahir to devout Muslims to support the anti-regime revolution in
Syria.
Al-Joumhouria
daily reported that Ziad Abou al-Naaj, a member of the Fatah al-Islam that escaped
with a number of his companions from Ain al-Helweh, had received, one week ago,
“online” orders to move to Tripoli with his companions in preparation for entering
Syrian territory to carry out special operations.
In
this context, well-informed sources told Al-Joumhouria that the departure of
the said group from Ain al-Helweh might be linked to terrorist groups whose
infiltration into Lebanon to assassinate key political figures and leaders was recently
detected.