Press Digest for Monday August 12, 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.

• The case of abducted Turkish nationals linked to the Aazaz hostages' dossier- sources           

Well-informed sources told An-Nahar daily on Monday that "the case of the two Turkish Airlines crew members who were abducted in Beirut is undoubtedly linked to that of the Aazaz hostages, noting that the 11 Lebanese pilgrims who were kidnapped following their visit to holy sites are innocent".       

The same sources also reported that "the Aazaz hostages are not involved in the armed battles between the Syrian regime and the rebels," adding that contacts are being held in order to settle both cases.               

• Mansour says the situation of Lebanese nationals in Turkey is normal               

Caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour said that caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel alongside the security apparatuses are following up on the case of the two abducted Turkish nationals in order to release them and to reveal the identities of the perpetrators.            

Mansour also pointed out that his Ministry is holding contacts with Turkey, adding that he did not receive any new information on the case.    

Separately, Mansour confirmed to Al-Joumhouria newspaper that "the situation of the Lebanese nationals in Turkey is normal, noting that all media outlets stating that the Lebanese are facing the threat of deportation are totally false and unfounded".  

• PM-Designate Salam to present his government line-up to President Sleiman- sources               

Sources close to Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam told Al-Mustaqbal daily that "the Lebanese parties may agree on a new initiative as of today (Monday)," leading to the formation of a new government.               

The same sources added that the aforementioned initiative is based on the stance of the National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt who had previously announced that "the current situation can no longer persist".               

The sources also confirmed that Salam is willing to present his governmental line-up to President Michel Sleiman, pointing out that "it shall be a government of 'national interest', not a 'fait accompli' cabinet".                 

• Maj. Gen. Ibrahim calls on Turkey to break the "vicious cycle"              

Well-informed sources told Al-Joumhouria daily that General Security head Major General Abbas Ibrahim has repeatedly called on Turkey to break the "vicious cycle", stressing the need to settle the case of the Lebanese hostages held in Syria's Aazaz and that of the Syrian female prisoners detained in Damascus.               

In this regard, Ibrahim urged the families of the Aazaz hostages to ease tension, warning that opportunistic parties can  benefit from the current situation to compromise Turkish interests in Lebanon.