Press Digest for Saturday August 31, 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.

• Sources: Syrian leadership haven’t yet issued decision calling for use of chemical weapons             

Sources close to Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Saturday that the Syrian leadership haven’t issued up until now any decision stipulating the use of chemical weapons against any target in Syria, adding that orders have been issued to use all weapons, including chemical weapons in case of any foreign attack against Syria.
               
As for the latest chemical attack on the capital Damascus, the sources told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai that either the opposition used these weapons after finding them in previously regime-held military installations, or military officials took a personal initiative to use these weapons as a response to the massacre in Latakia during which 725 Alawite civilians were killed.                   

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• Hezbollah arrests 2 Saudi nationals for 12 hours                          

Al-Mustaqbal newspaper said on Saturday that 2 Saudi nationals were arrested on Thursday at a checkpoint erected by Hezbollah in Beirut Southern Suburb’s Mouawad region.                           
The newspaper added that the 2 nationals were released after 12 hours following various contacts made between the Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri and political and security officials.                  

• President Sleiman, Hezbollah officials proceed with periodic meetings                         

Despite the charged atmosphere between Lebanese president Michel Sleiman and Hezbollah, sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that a meeting was held yesterday (Friday) between President Sleiman and Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc MP Mohammad Raad.          

The sources added that President Sleiman is proceeding with his periodic meetings with Hezbollah officials to discuss all the stages the country is passing through in light of the critical security situation.         

The sources mentioned that President Sleiman has been always reiterating his support to Lebanon’s stability and the urgent need to form a cabinet capable of dealing with the people’s affairs and needs.                                       

• Abou Faour: Cabinet has set a plan to face refugees’ influx                             

Caretaker Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour said on Saturday the influx of refugees via the border crossings is considered as “normal”, adding that the Lebanese government has set a plan to face any massive influx of refugees into its territories.           

In this regard, Abou Faour told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that a center has been set at the Lebanese-Syrian border to receive the refugees, stressing that medical supplies have been provided to this center and emphasizing that it is not a buffer zone “since Syria is not Lebanon’s enemy.”