Press Digest for Sunday January 05, 2014

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. 

• Saudi ambassador Assiri: Body of Majed al-Majed will be returned to his family in Saudi Arabia

Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri told al-Hayat newspaper on Sunday that he was informed from the Lebanese Armed Forces about the death of al-Qaeda suspect Majed al-Majed due to health problems.

He also noted that the body of al-Majed will be dissected in order to determine the reasons of death.

Assiri  stressed that a teamwork dispatched from the Saudi embassy to assist the Lebanese army in this regard, adding that the body of al-Majed will be returned to his family in Saudi Arabia.

• Speaker Berri dispatches caretaker Minister Khalil to meet MP Jumblatt over formation of cabinet-sources

Sources told An-Nahar news paper on Sunday that Speaker Nabih Berri dispatched caretaker Minister Ali Hassan Khalil to meet with MP Walid Jumblatt.

Sources added that both officials tackled ways to facilitate the formation of a new government, noting that deliberations.

This as Hezbollah and Amal movement sources denied that a  meeting was held  between Jumblatt and Khalil, adding that deliberations are "ongoing and positive" with all Lebanese leaders in order to solve Lebanon's pending issues.

Same sources stressed that the discussions between President Michel Sleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri and National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt are ongoing in this regard although  they did not reach consensus yet.

• Caretaker Minister Charbel: Hard-line groups are present and operating in Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel told Acharq al -Awsat newspaper on Sunday that hardline groups are currently present and operating in Lebanon.

He also noted that these groups are coming from Syria, adding that they are not "organized".

According to the Daily, caretaker Minister Charbel said that investigations were launched in this regard.

• LF MP Zahra: March 14 alliance will not partake in any government with Hezbollah

MP Antoine Zahra told al-Seyassah newspaper on Sunday that the Lebanese Forces will not partake in any government with Hezbollah, adding that March 14 alliance's stance in this regard is "clear."

According to the Daily, Zahra noted that the sole government in which Hezbollah can partake is the "neutral cabinet that does include any political figures."