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 close to Prime Minister Tammam Salam stated on Wednesday that US Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale voiced to Salam his country’s support to the Lebanese army and to the efforts of the cabinet to confront terrorism and control the situation in Arsal.
Al-Joumhouria newspaper stated that Ambassador Hale reported to Salam that US officials are discussing with the Army Command the type of assistance that they will offer to Lebanese troops.
The sources also mentioned that PM Salam praised France’s readiness to support the Lebanese Army, stressing that Lebanese soldiers will receive developed weapons from France at the soonest time possible.
Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq stated on Wednesday that a delegation of the Muslim Scholars is following up on negotiations pertaining to the release of kidnapped security forces in Arsal, stressing that the situation should not further escalate if armed groups agree to release the security forces.
Mashnouq told
Al-Akhbar newspaper that the battle in Arsal is not easy, emphasizing that the only conflict that Lebanese Armed Forces are facing is the presence of civilians and refugees in the town.
“If armed groups did not withdraw from Arsal, the army will open humanitarian corridors for refugees and civilians and will then tighten the noose on armed militants inside the town,” Mashnouq said.
Mashnouq also rejected any cooperation between the Lebanese Army and the Syrian army, stressing that this has been the aim of the Syrian regime since the formation of the cabinet.
Future Bloc MP Jamal Jarrah expressed his optimism regarding the situation in Arsal, stressing that a ceasefire aims at continuing negotiations and evacuating wounded persons from the town.
MP Jarrah told
As-Safir newspaper that the residents of Arsal are living a human tragedy, adding that they asked armed groups to adhere to the ceasefire.
He also stated that the withdrawal of all armed groups from Lebanon is a complicated matter that requires the efforts of all Lebanese factions.
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri stated on Wednesday that he will reiterate to Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Major General Jean Kahwaji his country's support to the military institution, stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long been supporting Lebanon.
Assiri expressed via
As-Safir newspaper his hope that Lebanese factions take the situation in the country in a serious manner, pointing out that all politicians should support the army and Lebanese citizens.
He also mentioned that Saudi Arabia had paid the allocated amount of money aimed at arming Lebanese soldiers, adding that remaining details are to be negotiated between Lebanese and French authorities.