Press Digest for Saturday February 08, 2014

3^min

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.

MP Fatfat: PM-Designate Salam did not let us down

Deputy Ahmad Fatfat said on Saturday the Future Bloc has the right to nominate its ministers, stressing that the former Chief of the Internal Security Forces Major General Ashraf Rifi is qualified to become the Minister of Interior.

Fatfat told An-Nahar newspaper that nominating Maj. Gen. Rifi is not provocative as calling for Minister Gebran Bassil to remain at the Ministry of Energy.

Fatfat also noted that the rotation of governmental portfolios was at first the demand of House Speaker Nabih Berri and Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun.

He also pointed that Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam did not let them down as a political party, stressing that the Future Bloc will re-nominate MP Salam as a PM-Designate.

Hjairi: Members from Hezbollah are imposing their authority in Arsal

Arsal's Mayor Ali Mohammad Hjairi said on Saturday the situation in Arsal is still the same, pointing out that members from Hezbollah are imposing their authority in the town, and are disrespecting the legitimacy and authority of the Lebanese nation.

Hjairi told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that members from Hezbollah are searching all cars that leave the town, and are asking citizens to show their identity cards.

In this regard, Hjairi told the newspaper that measures imposed by Hezbollah will not cause them worry seemingly since they are accustomed to such breaches by Hezbollah.

Defense Ministry implements tight security measures on backdrop of terrorist threats – Sources

Sources reported to Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday that tight security measures were implemented in the vicinity of the Defense Ministry on the backdrop of reports stating that radical terrorist groups will be targeting military headquarters including the said ministry.

The sources also mentioned that other reports stated that a delegation of Sheikhs from Bekaa are preparing for another gathering outside the ministry to denounce the arrest of Omar al-Atrash.