Press Digest for Monday March 10, 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.

• Major General Ibrahim: Syrian authorities facilitated the release of Maaloula's nuns

Head of General Security Major General Abbas Ibrahim told As-Safir newspaper on Monday that the Syrian authorities facilitated the release of Maaloula's nuns.

He also thanked the Qatari authorities and President Michel Sleiman for following up on the issue, adding that he will deploy his utmost efforts to release the abducted Syrian bishops.

According to the Daily, Ibrahim asserted that the nuns are "safe and sound", adding that the abductors tried to change the reached agreement but he refused to make any compromises.

• MP Fouad Siniora: Hezbollah military intervention in Syria has repercussions on Lebanon's economy

Future bloc head MP Fouad Siniora voiced on Monday his hopes that Lebanon would find a solution for its economic crisis, adding that the country is going through a crucial and difficult phase.

Siniora's comments were made to al-Liwaa newspaper in which he reiterated that Hezbollah military intervention in Syria has negative repercussions on Lebanon's economy.

According to the Daily, Siniora stressed the need to resort to state's institutions on all the social, political, and economic levels.

• Minister of Social Affairs Rashid Derbass: Efforts will be deployed to restore peace and stability in Tripoli

Minister of Social Affairs Rashid Derbass told al-Liwaa newspaper on Monday that the International Support Group for Lebanon meeting in Paris acknowledged that Lebanon cannot bear the burden of the Syrian refugees crisis alone.

He also noted that participants in the meeting hailed the self dissociation policy and the Baabda Declaration adopted by Lebanon.

On another note, Derbass told the Daily that he will deploy efforts to restore peace and stability in the northern city of Tripoli, adding that efforts are ongoing to put an end for the ongoing clashes in the city.

• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: Any agreement reached with Israelis will be brought to referendum

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated to al-Liwaa newspaper on Monday that he will not recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

According to the Daily, Abbas said that he did not receive any written agreement from US Secretary of State John Kerry in this regard.

He also noted that that "any agreement reached with the Israelis will be brought to a referendum."