Press Digest for Thursday September 04, 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.

• Minister Harb says March 8 forces do not want to end presidential deadlock

Telecommunication Minister Boutros Harb stated on Thursday that March 8’s rejection to the presidential initiative launched by the March 14 camp proves that the camp does not want to end the presidential deadlock and remains unaware of the consequences of void.

Minister Harb told the Kuwaiti newspaper As-Seyassah that March 8’s rejection to all presidential proposals will lead Lebanon towards more chaos, stressing that MP Michel Aoun’s proposal does not resolve the presidential dossier.

On another note, Harb stated that negotiations are being held to secure the release of Lebanese troops who were kidnapped during clashes with armed men in Arsal, pointing out that their abduction has negative effects on Lebanon and on the prestige of the military institution.

• Minister Azzi says Lebanese factions should bear their responsibilities

Labor Minister Sejaan Azzi said on Thursday bidding on the release of abducted troops is not accepted, pointing out that Prime Minister Tammam Salam rejected since the first day of their abduction a swap deal that secures the release of inmates from the Roumieh prison.

Minister Azzi told An-Nahar newspaper that some Lebanese factions, who are represented at the cabinet, are not taking into consideration the seriousness of the situation in Lebanon, adding that all Lebanese officials should bear their responsibilities and support PM Salam’s position.

• Local and regional efforts are being exerted to release abducted troops – Sources

Ministerial sources reported to An-Nahar newspaper on Thursday that local and regional efforts are being exerted to resolve the issue of abducted Lebanese soldiers, pointing out that there is no swap deal pertaining to the release of inmates from the Roumieh prison.

The sources added that resolving this issue requires a political agreement, adding that Lebanese factions should act in a wise and reasonable way seemingly since this issue will have various repercussions on Lebanon.

• March 14’s proposal stipulates adherence to LF Geagea’s candidacy - Sources

March 14 sources reported to Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Thursday that the essence of the initiative launched by the March 14 camp was stipulated in its second item.

In this regard, the sources pointed out that the second item provides adherence to the candidacy of Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, stressing that the camp's proposal aims at giving the March 8 forces a chance to reach consensus in a bid to end the presidential deadlock.