Press Digest for Tuesday September 09, 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.

Minister Rifi: People must embrace the Lebanese government, military institution

Minister of Justice Achraf Rifi told al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Tuesday that national unity is the sole protector of the country against sectarian strife.

Rifi also noted that the Lebanese people must embrace the government and the military institution in their efforts to secure the release of kidnapped soldiers in the border town of Arsal.

According to the daily, Rifi stressed that the Lebanese government must take political and security measures to prevent sedition, adding that civil society groups must also help in this regard.

Sheikh Naim Kassem urges Lebanese leaders to take "courageous stand" and return Arsal kidnapped troops

Hezbollah's Deputy Chief Sheikh Naim Kassem told As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that the Islamic State and the al-Nusra Front are threatening Lebanon's stability and security.

Kassem also urged the Lebanese leaders to take a "courageous stand" and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped Lebanese troops who were captured during clashes in the border town of Arsal.

According to the daily, Kassem noted that the US led International efforts to put an end for the Islamic State's atrocities "are not serious," adding that these efforts aim only to ensure the interests of the US in the Middle Eastern region.

Lebanese military delegation meets FBI officials - sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Tuesday that a Lebanese military delegation is currently paying a visit to the US.

The same sources added that the delegation is holding meetings with FBI members and officials in the US administration.

According to the daily, discussions are featuring high on the Islamic State's threats and ways to improve the security and military cooperation between the two countries.

Contacts ongoing to speed up the Saudi grant to LAF-sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Tuesday that contacts are ongoing to speed up the Saudi grant to the Lebanese army.

The same sources added that the Saudi authorities requested some "clarifications" from the French and Lebanese authorities about the mechanism for the distribution of the grant.