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.
Prominent March 8 sources reported on Thursday that Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun asked Lebanese President Michel Sleiman to appoint Brigadier General Chamel Roukoz as the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander instead of Major General Jean Kahwagi.
According to
Al-Akhbar newspaper MP Aoun, who was previously against extending Kahwagi’s mandate, asked President Sleiman to end the latter's term and appoint his son-in-law, Roukoz, instead of him.
The newspaper added that President Sleiman rejected Aoun’s proposal seemingly since he reached the end of his mandate, and also for security reasons.
Following MP Aoun’s proposal, Foreign Affairs Minister Gebran Bassil proposed at a cabinet session the dossier of security appointments.
In this regard, the newspaper noted that Minister Bassil’s proposal did not aim at filling the gaps at the military council, but initially aimed at discussing with President Sleiman and Prime Minister Tammam Salam the appointment of Roukoz as LAF commander.
Future Bloc MP Khoder Habib stated on Thursday that Tripoli’s security plan is following a successful path due to the efforts of Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Head of the Future Movement MP Saad Hariri, Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq, and Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi.
MP Habib told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper that various rounds of violence could have been prevented, adding that former Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s cabinet contributed to the deterioration of the situation and was not able to impose a similar plan at the northern Lebanese city.
He also stated that the unprecedented reconciliation between the residents of Tripoli's Bab al-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen is proof that the conflict in the city was political, adding that Alawites in Tripoli are looking forward to improve the situation of the city.
Lebanese Forces MP Geaorge Adwan reported to
Al-Liwaa newspaper that LF Chief Samir Geagea will announce his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections on Friday, and will reveal his electoral program in the upcoming two weeks.
Adwan added to the newspaper that Geagea’s candidacy is a serious matter, stressing that Geagea aims at restoring the prestige of the presidency.
In the same regard,
Al-Akhbar newspaper stated that Geagea’s official announcement will be made from his residence in Mehrab.
Future Bloc MP Ammar Houri stated on Thursday that a security plan should be put in force in Beirut following the implementation of Tripoli’s plan, pointing out that Lebanese Armed Forces should be successful in Beirut if the “other party” facilitates the work of soldiers and other security members, he said in reference to the March 8 bloc.
Houri told
Al-Liwaa newspaper that the military institution is capable of maintaining security and stability in all Lebanese regions, and will be able to impose the state’s authority on all Lebanese territories.