Press Digest for Wednesday February 27, 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.         

• Berri: Elections will not be held amid ongoing security chaos        

Sources told An-Nahar newspaper Wednesday that Speaker Nabih Berri called PM Najib Mikati and President Michel Sleiman on Tuesday to discuss the daily abuses against security and judicial apparatuses, kidnappings and the spread of arms.       

Berri urged the Higher Council of Defense to convene as soon as possible since, according to him, "the situation has become unbearable."              

In this context, Berri pointed out that the upcoming parliamentary elections cannot take place amid the ongoing security chaos.               

• Ghosn extends mandate of Head of LAF Intelligence service              

As-Safir Daily reported on Wednesday that the mandate of LAF intelligence service Head Brigadier General Edmond Fadel  who was due to retire on April 1, has been extended for six months.                 

The decision was taken after LAF Commander Jean Kahwaji tackled this issue with President Michel Sleiman, PM Najib Mikati and Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn.               

The Daily added that this decision does not require the approval of the cabinet; it can be taken by the minister of defense as per the recommendation of the LAF command.

• Sheikh Al Assir was "never found" to be notified of Court's decision                  

Sources told Al-Hayat newspaper on Tuesday that the Lebanese security forces were not able to notify the Imam of Bilal bin Rabah mosque Sheikh Ahmad Al Assir of the Military Court's decision to summon him for interrogation.                 

Heavily armed supporters of Sheikh Al Assir had deployed in the surrounding area of Bilal Bin Rabbah Mosque last Friday. He had said that this deployment was in self-defense against Hezbollah members who were allegedly trying to break in, a charge Lebanese security forces later denied.               

Sources added that since Saturday, security forces have repeatedly visited Al Assir's residence in the region of Abra but never found him.                           

• Rana Koleilat vows to reveal the names of figures who paid her                   

The panel tasked with studying the case of al-Madina Bank is expected to complete its report in two weeks and hand it over to the State Prosecutor Hatem Madi, according to Al Akhbar newspaper.              

The Daily quoted Rana Koleilat as saying that she will reveal the names of the figures who paid her within the span of two weeks.              

Koleilat pointed out that her lawyers are preparing a lawsuit against the Governor of the Lebanon's Central Bank Riad Salameh to reveal the fate of the properties she had handed him.