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.
Ministerial sources reported to
An-Nahar newspaper on Saturday that the cabinet has decided to implement tighter security measures at the Lebanese-Syrian borders in Northern Bekaa in order to maintain the situation at the borders.
In this regard, sources stated to the newspaper that the Western intelligence services are supporting Lebanon in order to help security apparatuses control the situation in the country and confront terrorism
Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbass stated on Saturday that Foreign Affairs Minister Gebran Bassil had previously discussed his proposal pertaining to the issue of the Syrian refugees during the cabinet session.
Derbass told
An-Nahar newspaper that ministers agreed to build shelters at the Lebanese-Syrian borders; however, did not reach consensus regarding an alternative plan in case building these shelters is not possible.
Derbass added that a ministerial committee tasked with following up on the dossier of the refugees will convene when Minister Bassil returns from Brazil.
Al-Akhbar newspaper stated on Saturday that former Deputy Mansour el-Bon visited on Friday Change and Reform Bloc leader MP Michel Aoun at his residence in Rabieh.
Sources following up on the meeting told
Al-Akhbar newspaper that the two officials discussed the latest local developments as well as the parliamentary elections, stressing that MP Aoun highlighted the necessity of passing an electoral law that ensures the rights of Christians in Lebanon.
According to the newspaper, the officials also tackled the initiative of MP Aoun which stipulates that Lebanese citizens elect the president directly in two electoral rounds.
Al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Saturday that House Speaker Nabih Berri will recommence in the next week his negotiations with officials regarding the presidential elections.
In this regard, sources reported to the newspaper that French officials will discuss with officials in other countries the importance of electing a new president at the soonest possible, stressing the necessity of distancing Lebanon from all regional conflicts.
The sources added to the
Al-Akhbar newspaper that some Lebanese officials may visit Paris soon to tackle with French officials the presidential entitlement.
Meanwhile, other sources told
Al-Akhbar newspaper that holding the parliamentary elections on their due date has become impossible, stressing that some Lebanese factions are discussing the possibility of extending the parliament’s mandate for a second time.
In this context, the newspaper mentioned that Speaker Berri, along with National Struggle Front Leader MP Walid Jumblatt tackled the importance of avoiding the occurrence of parliamentary elections in light of the country’s situation.