Press Digest for Friday April 11, 2014

3^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 apparatuses keen to arrest dangerous fugitives in Bekaa- official

A security official told Al-Akhbar daily on Friday that the security plan in Bekaa is still at its first stage, noting that the security apparatuses are keen to arrest most of the dangerous fugitives who have managed to remain in hiding throughout this period.

The official also said Bekaa's security plan had been delayed pending the outcome of the implementation in Tripoli and the finalization of the needed preparations.

Cardinal Rai lost hope of reaching agreement among Maronite leaders- sources

Al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Friday that Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bshara Boutros Rai would stay abroad throughout the remaining period until a session is held to elect a new President.

Sources close to Rai also stressed that he will visit a number of countries, and said: "The Cardinal's decision came after he lost hope of reaching an agreement among the Maronite leaders over the Presidential entitlement".

Future bloc leader Siniora in Riyadh to meet with former PM Hariri

An Nahar daily reported on Friday that Future bloc leader MP Fouad Siniora headed yesterday to Riyadh to meet with Future movement leader Saad Hariri.

Siniora, accompanied by Saad Hariri's advisor Nader Hariri, is set to brief the Future Movement leader on the outcome of consultations with regards to the presidential elections.

Former minister Kheireddin says closure of banks sends warning message

Member of the Association of Banks, former Minister Marwan Kheireddin, said on Friday that the closure of banks today sends a warning message against the measures undermining the banking sector.

Kheireddin also vowed escalatory measures if the concerned authorities do not backtrack on the proposed tax measures.

In an interview with Al-Joumhouria newspaper, he hoped Speaker Nabih Berri will listen to the demands of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, after he examined that of the trade union bodies.