Press Digest for Monday September 01, 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.

Lebanese ministers briefed on Islamist prisoners dossier -sources

Judicial sources told Al-Joumhouria daily on Monday that the ministers who attended yesterday's cabinet session at the Grand Serail were briefed on the file of the Islamist inmates at the Roumieh prison.

"66.6 % of the trials were finalized," the same sources said, noting that all those who turn out to be innocent will be released.

Lebanon's FM Bassil calls for "full liberation" of Arsal

Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil warned on Monday against any kind of deal that would pave the way for the election of a figure who does not represent the Christian community in Lebanon as head of state.

In an interview with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, Bassil also said that the northeastern border town of Arsal constitutes a "funding base" for militants and terrorists in the town and the Qalamoun barren range.

In this context, he highlighted the need to drive out gunmen and repatriate the displaced Syrians in order to fully liberate Arsal.

MP Jumblatt calls for swift trial of Islamist inmates

National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt stressed on Monday the need to finalize the trial of Islamist prisoners the soonest possible in a bid to ease tension.

"Had the trials not been delayed and the judiciary not been reluctant, then Lebanon would have been spared a crisis," Jumblatt told As-Safir newspaper.

In the same regard, MP Jumblatt said he totally rejects any swap operation between Islamist prisoners and kidnapped Lebanese troops, noting that it may wreak havoc and undermine the army's morale.

MP Fatfat condemns sectarian insults in the northern city of Tripoli

Future bloc MP Ahmad Fatfat denounced on Monday the incidents that took place yesterday in the northern city of Tripoli whereby crosses were burned and offensive slogans were written on church walls.

"The incident is condemned even though it was merely a reaction," Fatfat told Al-Joumhouria daily, pointing out that it drags the country into sedition.

He also said cooperation will be held in order to alleviate tension, adding that the problem will be settled by law, reason and through political stances.