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.
Sources at the northern city of Tripoli stated on Saturday that Lebanese Armed Forces were not able to impose a ceasefire at the city, while other sources said that LAF soldiers are further escalating the situation.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Mustafa Alloush assured to the Kuwaiti newspaper
Al-Seyassah that army soldiers have nothing to do with Tripoli’s events, pointing out that these soldiers are tasked with easing the tension between conflicting sides at the city.
He also mentioned that these soldiers never supported any side against the other.
As for the stage that comes after endorsing the cabinet policy statement, Alloush said that all matters should be taken seriously and should be addressed in a short period of time.
Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi said on Saturday that efforts were exerted to stop violence at the northern city of Tripoli, pointing out that a solution was reached after contacts conducted by Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Tammam Salam.
In this regard, Rifi mentioned that the solution is political and developmental at the same time, stressing that it will end violence if it were fully implemented.
Rifi told
An-Nahar newspaper that the solution is made up from three stages, emphasizing that the first stage is implementing a security plan, the second stage is paying compensation to those who were affected from the clashes, and the third stage is launching a developmental plan for the city in order to enhance its economy.
Minister Rifi highlighted the necessity of putting in force all stages of the solution, adding that he had previously called for implementing such measures in Tripoli.
An-Nahar newspaper quoted on Saturday ministerial sources as saying that Lebanese President Michel Sleiman will be coming back from Kuwait on Wednesday after participating in the 25th session of the Arab League Summit.
The sources stated that the first cabinet session will be held on Thursday, stressing that items related to the security situation as well as developmental and administrative dossiers will be listed on the session’s agenda.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam said on Saturday that there are major divisions in the country especially in matters pertaining to the arms of Hezbollah, pointing out that conflicting sides have finally realized the necessity of holding dialogue sessions.
Salam told the Saudi newspaper
Okaz that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been always playing a positive role in maintaining Lebanon’s stability and security.
On the Syrian crisis, PM Salam stated that the flames of the Syrian war are affecting Lebanon in various ways, stressing that defending Lebanon from the repercussions of the crisis is an important issue that all Lebanese leaders should address.
As for the presidential elections, PM Salam said these elections should be held on their due date in accordance with the Lebanese constitution, adding that electing a new president every 6 years is a characteristic of the democratic system which calls for the peaceful rotation of power.