Press Digest for Saturday March 01, 2014

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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.

EU’s Eichhorst: We asked Hezbollah to exercise restraint

EU Ambassador to Lebanon Angelina Eichhorst told As-Safir daily on Saturday that all concerned parties were aware of the need to avoid escalation following the Israeli strike on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, noting that Hezbollah was asked to exercise restraint.

Eichhorst also said that the meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon due to take place on March 5, underscores the international community’s support for Lebanon and its keenness on the country’s security situation as well as the upcoming entitlements.

In a question directed at Eichhorst over terrorism in Lebanon, she said that the security situation is a priority, adding that there is an International and European will to uphold all security apparatuses, mainly the Lebanese Armed Forces.

FM Bassil suggested the elimination of the ministerial statement- sources

Sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Saturday that two formulas were submitted by Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and Labor Minister Sajaan Azzi during Friday’s meeting of the ministerial statement drafting committee.

Bassil suggested the elimination of the ministerial statement with the government simply saying it is a cabinet of national interest.

For his part, Azzi praised Bassil’s proposal as “a good idea,” adding however that the ministerial statement could be composed of one page that includes general principles not linked to the March 8 and 14 coalitions, but representatives of the March 8 coalition did not agree on his suggestion.

Arsal mayor Hojeiri: We are awaiting FM Bassil to file complaint to UNSC over Syrian raids

Arsal mayor Ali Hojeiri told Al-Joumhouria daily that he is awaiting Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil to file a complaint before the United Nations Security Council or to oppose the continuous Syrian raids on the town, considered as a violation to Lebanon’s sovereignty.

“Bassil, as a Lebanese minister, shall maintain the country’s sovereignty and defend his people,” Hojeiri said, adding that “filing the complaint is a must”.

Hojeiri also said Arsal residents “got used to the Syrian raids,” noting that it is surprising how the official authorities do not respond or even voice their rejection in their wake.

LAF units conduct raids in Corniche al-Mazraa in search of fugitives

Military sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday that Lebanese Armed Forces units carried out raids in Corniche al-Mazraa and the surrounding areas on Friday to search for fugitives wanted on several arrest warrants.

Military tanks and armored vehicles also deployed in the region.