Press Digest for Tuesday August 12, 2014

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.

• Speaker Berri says ready to cooperate with Hariri "to address terrorism, activate state institutions"

Speaker Nabih Berri told As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that the return of former Prime Minister MP Saad Hariri to Lebanon is "necessary and will have a good impact on the Lebanese political scene."

Speaker Berri also expressed readiness to cooperate with Hariri "to address terrorism and to activate state institutions."

On another note, Berri reiterated his rejection to the extension of the parliament's mandate, calling for the swift election of a new president.

• Lebanese army Commander Kahwagi says adamant on ensuring the safe return of all captive soldiers

Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Jean Kahwagi told As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that he is adamant on ensuring the safe return of all the captive soldiers who were abducted in the border town of Arsal.

Kahwagi reiterated that the Lebanese army saved Lebanon from sectarian strife, adding that the "army's spirit is still high."

He also noted that the Islamic State fighters were planning to overrun Arsal and al-Labweh and to declare their state in Lebanon.

• Minister Machnouq says Saudi grant will be placed in the Central Bank

Minister of Interior Nohad al-Machnouq told An-Nahar newspaper on Tuesday that the Saudi grant will be placed  in the Central Bank after being ratified by the Cabinet.

On another note,  Machnouq noted that Prime Minister Tammam Salam will chair today (Tuesday) a meeting aimed at tackling the Syrian refugees crisis.

Minister Machnouq concluded by saying that the Syrian regime is not permitting the Syrian families, whatever their legal status, to cross into Syria.

• Saudi ambassador Assiri calls on Lebanese people to embrace military institution

Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri told As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that the return of former Prime Minister MP Saad Hariri will break the political stalemate in Lebanon.

Assiri called on the Lebanese people to embrace the military institution in its battle against terrorism.

He also urged the Lebanese state to launch a campaign against religious extremism, hailing the election of Sheikh Abdel Latif Daryan as Lebanon's new Grand Mufti.