Press Digest for Monday December 02, 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.

 

• Washington concerned about Lebanon's security situation-sources

Sources told As-Safir newspaper on Monday that Washington is concerned about the security situation in Lebanon, adding that it will deploy efforts to assist the Lebanese army in addressing terrorism.

Sources added that the US administration is urging the Lebanese leaders to form a new government in order to avoid political void in the country.

• Lebanese army investigates attempt to assassinate Speaker Nabih Berri-sources

Sources told As-Safir newspaper on Monday that the Lebanese Armed Forces Intelligence Bureau is examining videos of the surveillance cameras in Ain el-Tineh over suspicions of an attempt  to assassinate Speaker Nabih Berri.

Sources added that the videos showed three men  searching the area nearby Speaker Berri's residence.

According to the Daily, the targets of the plotted assassination might be  Speaker Nabih Berri, the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assirir, the Qatari ambassador to Lebanon Saad Bin Ali Al-Mohannadi or a Judge in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon residing near Ain el-Tineh.

 

• Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif says willing to visit Saudi Arabia-sources

Sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Monday that the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that he is willing to visit the Saudi Arabia Kingdom after visiting Kuwait and Oman.

Sources added that Minister Zarif's tour may include Lebanon to meet with Lebanese officials and discuss the results of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers.
 

• PM-Designate Salam urges leaders to put Lebanon's interests on top of their priorities-sources

Visitors of Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam  told As-Safir newspaper on Monday that the national interests of the country require the swift formation of a new government.

Same sources added that Salam stressed to his visitors the need of all Lebanese leaders to put the Lebanese interests on top of their priorities amid the regional crisis.

 PM-designate Salam noted also that the Iranian nuclear deal with world powers will have direct impacts on the region, mainly Lebanon.