Press Digest for Monday October 28, 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.

• Caretaker PM Mikati: Security apparatuses given "direct and clear orders" to end clashes in Tripoli

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati told al-Hayat newspaper on Monday that the security apparatuses have been given "direct and clear orders" to restore peace and stability in the northern city of Tripoli.

He also noted that the Lebanese Armed Forces Command drew a comprehensive security plan for the city, adding that clashes have since started to ease down.

On another note, sources told the Daily that the security apparatuses arrested a suspect who reportedly smuggled perpetrators of Tripoli's twin blasts into Syria.

• Qatari official arrives to Beirut, follows up on case of abducted bishops-sources

Sources told Al-Liwaa newspaper on Monday that a Qatari official arrived to Beirut and is following up on the case of the two abducted Syrian bishops.

Sources added that the Qatari official played a "major role” in the release of the nine Lebanese hostages in Syria's Aazaz, noting that the latter is contacting the concerned parties to ensure the release of the bishops.

• Hezbollah Chief Sayyed Nasrallah to tackle Tripoli's clashes, Syrian crisis in televised speech-sources

Sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Monday that Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah will tackle the clashes taking place in Tripoli and the party's military involvement in Syria in his televised speech set for Monday.

Same sources added that he will also address the formation of the government.

• Mufti of Tripoli Chaar: Tripoli clashes will end in the next 48 hours

Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Malek Chaar told al-Hayat newspaper on Monday that the clashes taking place in Tripoli will see an end in the next 48 hours.

He also noted that the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Jean Kahwagi will start implementing the security plan prepared for the city.

Mufti Chaar expressed his confidence in President Michel Sleiman, hailing his efforts in dealing with Tripoli's latest incidents.

• Speaker Nabih Berri: There is "no point" to the fighting in Tripoli

Speaker Nabih Berri told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Monday that "there is no point to the fighting taking place in Tripoli."

On another note, he stressed the importance of holding parliamentary sessions, adding that some parties "are not keen on preserving the country's constitution."