Press Digest for Thursday March 20, 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.

• Al-Qaeda establishes networks to boost capabilities in Lebanon - Daily

The American Washington Post Daily reported that the al-Qaeda organization is establishing support networks in order to boost its capabilities in Lebanon, where fears are rising concerning the influx of large numbers of hardline militants to the Syrian border region.

The Newspaper cited political analysts as saying that there are many fighters affiliated to the al-Nursa Front’s Syrian wing in the mountainous border regions between Syria and Lebanon, stressing that the pressure exerted by the Syrian government against them may lead them to cross into Lebanon, causing instability and deterioration of the already fragile security situation.  

• Sleiman calls for setting up plan to put an end to Tripoli’s security events

Al-Joumhouria Daily reported that President Michel Sleiman called on the security leaders to set up a plan that will put an end to the security events taking place in the northern city of Tripoli. Sleiman made his remarks during the security meeting held on Wednesday at the Baabda Presidential Palace.

In this regard, the conferees stressed the need to arrest all those involved in the twin blasts that targeted al-Taqwa and al-Salam mosques in Tripoli back in August 2013, while anticipating any form of potential retaliation acts that may be carried out after the arrest of the head of the Arab Democratic Party Ali Eid.

During the meeting, the officials also agreed on the need to implement development projects in the city, alongside the security and military measures, the newspaper added.  

• LAF backs agreement between Ain al-Helweh and Lebanese leaders

As-Safir Daily quoted well-informed sources as saying that contacts between officials form Sidon and Ain al-Helweh refugee camp, with the participation of Lebanese security leaders, are being held in a bid to reach agreement over the declaration of a military-security treaty between Ain al-Helweh and Lebanese political leaders, under the sponsorship of the Lebanese Armed Forces. 

The sources added that the treaty aims at curbing and controlling the movements of Palestinian extremists and keeping the camp away from any Lebanese conflicts.