Press Digest for Tuesday February 04, 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.

• Situation in the Roumieh prison "on the brink of explosion"-sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Tuesday that the current situation in the Roumieh prison is "on the brink of explosion," adding that security forces are following up closely on the state of the inmates.

Sources added that daily meetings are being held between the most dangerous terrorists inside the prison to reportedly prepare a security operation in the country.

According to the Daily, same sources asserted that a huge number of inmates are preparing for a mass escape from the Roumieh prison.

• LF not hindering March 14 alliance's participation in cabinet-sources

Sources told al-Akhbar newspaper on Tuesday that the Lebanese Forces party will not participate in any upcoming cabinet except on the conditions previously set by the party.

According to the Daily, the sources also slammed all media reports stating that the LF will be given a ministerial portfolio in the upcoming cabinet.

The same sources added that the LF is not hindering the participation of the March 14 alliance in the government.

• MP Fatfat: March 8 hindering the cabinet's formation

MP Ahmad Fatfat told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Tuesday that the March 8 alliance is putting obstacles in the way of the cabinet's formation.

He also noted that MP Michel Aoun is refusing all suggestions submitted to him in order to "control the upcoming cabinet".

Fatfat said that Hezbollah requested from Aoun to hinder the formation process, adding that he does not rule out the possibility of Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam forming a "fait accompli cabinet."

He concluded by urging Speaker Nabih Berri "to speak up and say the truth," in this regard.

• MP Jamal Jarrah: Salam will form a "fait accompli cabinet"

MP Jamal Jarrah told Acharq al-Awsat on Tuesday that Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam is willing to form a "fait accompli cabinet".

He also added that the upcoming 12 hours will witness the formation of the government.

Jarrah concluded by saying that the cabinet must be formed "as soon as possible" amid the tensed security and social situation in the country."