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.
Kataeb MP Sami Gemyael told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Thursday that the European Union listing of Hezbollah on its terrorist organizations list is a direct result of the party's military involvement in the fighting taking place in Syria.
MP Gemayel asserted that Hezbollah is a part of Lebanon's components, criticizing at the same time its activities in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Bulgaria and other countries.
He also noted that the emergence of the Takfiri groups in the region is a result of Hezbollah's acts, calling on all parties to unite in order to address such groups.
MP Gemayel reiterated his support to the extension of the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Jean Kahwagi's term, rejecting any potential vacuum in the leadership of the military institution.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati told
As-Safir newspaper on Thursday that the international legitimacy asserts the right of the Resistance to address "the Israeli enemy."
He noted that the text of the European Union's decision over Hezbollah mentioned the "military wing" of the party, which is the Resistance, adding that the international legitimacy is committed to Lebanon's right in addressing Israel as per article No. 51 of the United Nations charter.
Caretaker PM Mikati also asserted that the Lebanese state will exert all possible efforts to make the EU reconsider its decision in order to spare Lebanon further economic and security tensions.
Security source told
Al-Akhbar newspaper on Thursday that precautionary measures were taken in the South, especially in the regions where the United Nations Interim Forces In Lebanon members work, ahead of the European Union's decision.
Sources added that the residents of south Lebanon are not willing to escalate the security situation in the region following the decision, adding that UNIFIL soldiers are not in danger.
Caretaker Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel told
Asharq al-Awsat newspaper on Thursday that the Supreme Defense Council will convene next Monday to organize the entry of Syrian nationals to Lebanon.
He urged Syrian nationals to obtain residential permits that enable them to stay in Lebanon for 6 renewable months.
As for the Syrian refugees who do not have any identification documents, caretaker Minister Charbel told the Daily that the security apparatuses will take care of the issue in line with the circumstances of these families.