Press Digest for Wednesday July 03, 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.

• Hezbollah Chief Sayyed Nasrallah: Takfiri groups aim at fomenting Sunnite-Shiite strife

Sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that the Secretary General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah tackled the latest incidents taking place in Lebanon during Hezbollah's periodic meeting.

Sources added that Sayyed Nasrallah deliberated with the convened members over the rise of Takfiri groups in the region, stressing that such groups are funded by some Arab countries and  aim at fomenting a Sunnite-Shiite strife.

According to the Daily, Hezbollah Chief also explained the reasons behind the party's involvement in the fighting against the Syrian rebels in Syria, stressing that the crisis "will end with the victory of the Syrian regime. "

• Speaker Berri says adamant on Parliament's agenda

Speaker Nabih Berri told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that he is adamant on maintaining the parliament's agenda "as it is" and agreed on by the members of the Parliament's bureau during its last meeting.

He also noted that the agenda is subject to discussion "inside the Parliamentary session."

According to the Daily, Speaker Berri slammed media reports saying that he is hindering the formation of the new government, noting that he is exerting efforts to make the government "see the light the soonest possible."

• Number of Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir fighters in Abra incidents did not exceed 90

Sources told Al-Akhbar newspaper on Wednesday that the number of supporters of Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir who participated in Sidon's clashes did not exceed 90, among which more than 20 were killed, 30 arrested, while 30 fled the scene of the clash alongside the hardline cleric. 

Sources added that Sheikh al-Assir group decided "to pick a fight" with the Lebanese Armed Forces in order to attack Hezbollah's apartments in Abra.

According to the Daily, the LAF's "fast" response to the attack and closing all roads leading to Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir complex hindered the arrival of the rest of Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir fighters.

• Caretaker Minister Charbel: Assassination fears still loom in Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Interior revealed to As-Safir newspaper on Wednesday that he fears the assassination of some March 14 and March 8 figures.

He also noted that the Lebanese security apparatuses are prepared to ensure the safety of threatened Lebanese officials.

As for Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir's fate, Caretaker Minister Charbel said that he may have escaped the complex to an unknown destination.