Press Digest for Thursday May 24, 2012

4^min

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

Security sources reveal details of Hamra incident

Security sources revealed details of the Hamra incident, saying that an individual dispute erupted inside al-itany building in Caracasse one of which apartments is rented by two brothers of the Syrian nationality. The dispute, which erupted after a girl entered the apartment, turned into a heavy exchange of gunfire, especially that the perpetrators were acting under the influence of drug.

The sources confirmed to al-Liwaa daily that ISF and LAF members rushed to the scene to arrest the perpetrators who immediately opened fire at the security members, injuring two ISF members and one soldier. The incident prompted the security personnel to call for a backup especially that the shooter kept throwing grenades towards the ISF members who tried to contain the situation without firing back at the source of fire, avoiding more victims, as they only settled for cordoning off the building.

Lebanese abductees transferred to Turkey thanks to presidential contacts

Sources confirmed to al-Liwaa daily that the Lebanese people that were abducted in Syria have been transferred to Turkey thanks to contacts led by President Michel Sleiman, adding that they will be soon transferred to Beirut.

The relatives of the abductees continued their rally in Bir al-Abd for the second day, awaiting the results of ongoing contacts to know the fate of their sons. The relatives confirmed that they have faith that their leadership, especially Hezbollah, will release the abductees shortly after they arrive in Turkey, confirming that the Free Syrian Army is behind the kidnapping of the Lebanese.

Jumblatt: I support self-distancing while respecting Syrian refugees’ right to protection

MP Walid Jumblatt confirmed that the content of the letter sent by King Abdallah to President Michel Sleiman is very helpful, adding that he welcomes the Saudi keenness on civil peace, national unity, the Taif accord and national dialogue as expressed in the letter.

Commenting on the Saudi king’s call on Lebanon to distance itself from the Syrian crisis, Jumblatt told as-Safir: “I support self-distancing while respecting the right of Syrian refugees in Lebanon to humanitarian protection and not to be targeted.”

Saudi Arabia opens new chapter in Saudi-Lebanese relations

Sources to al-Akhbar daily that Saudi Arabia has opened a new chapter in its relationship with Lebanon, stressing that the letter sent by King Abdallah to President Michel Sleiman marks the beginning of the implementation of the king’s decision to actively return to the Lebanese scene.

Future Movement not calling for government representing March 14

Sources from the Future Movement confirmed to Al-Akhbar daily that it is not calling for forming a cabinet representing the March 14 forces, but it rather wants a naturalized cabinet to oversee elections and whose head and members are not candidates.

The daily learnt that Future Movement head Saad Hariri had informed MP Walid Jumblatt of the preparations for this move during their last phone call. However, Jumblatt did not express readiness for such a move.

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