Press Digest for Friday April 04, 2014

4^min

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.

Security plan in Lebanon's Northern Bekaa to be launched soon- sources

Well-informed security sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday that the security plan for Lebanon's Northern Bekaa is set to begin in the next few hours.

"It will come after the army deployment in Arsal's barren range and in towns located in the vicinity of al-Labweh, Hermel, al-Qasr and Baalbek," the sources said.

The sources added that the plan aims to "besiege" gangs responsible for stealing and selling cars and using them as car bombs, noting that it also aims to thwart kidnapping attempts.

Lebanese file discussed during President Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia

As-Safir daily quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the Lebanese file was tackled during the visit of US President Barack Obama to Saudi Arabia whereby he stressed the need to maintain Lebanon's stability and to distance the country from the conflict in neighboring Syria.

Both parties also highlighted the importance of holding the Lebanese presidential elections on their constitutional date.

"The US also offered 'friendly' advises to Riyadh, urging the country to move forward with a new phase of Saudi rule," diplomatic reports said.

Minister Derbass calls for 'clear' policy to settle Syria refugee issue

Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbass said there is a need for a 'clear' policy as the number of Syrian refugees who have fled to Lebanon topped 1 million.

Derbass told Al-Liwaa daily on Friday that he will soon hold a meeting with Prime Minister Tammam Salam and other concerned ministers to brief them on the "alarming" number of the displaced Syrians. He will then call for a cabinet session in this regard.

He also said the problem cannot be settled through the establishment of camps but through reception centers that regulate the entry of Syrian refugees into the Lebanese territories.

Derbass added that the Arab and international communities should assume their responsibilities by ending the war or ensuring safe shelters along the Syrian border.

Gharib: UCC will take 'appropriate' decision based on Joint Parliamentary Committees' meeting

Head of the Union Coordination Committee (UCC) Hanna Gharib voiced on Friday his concern that the rights of teachers and professors might be undermined by the Pay Scale draft law that was proposed by the parliamentary subcommittee.

Gharib also told As-Safir newspaper that the UCC will convene today at 5 pm in order to take the right decision in light of the Joint Parliamentary Committees' meeting.