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.
Future Bloc MP Ahmad Fatfat stated on Wednesday that “the culture of the Islamic State was prevailing in Lebanon before the kidnapping incident of Lebanese Armed Forces ever took place,” pointing out that the country is passing through a difficult stage.
On another note, MP Fatfat told the Kuwaiti newspaper
As-Seyassah there are no signs that the presidential dossier will be resolved soon, stressing that Lebanese factions should bear their responsibilities and distance Lebanon from regional conflicts.
“House Speaker Nabih Berri would not have traveled had he hoped of ending the presidential deadlock soon,” MP Fatfat said.
A ministerial source reported to
Al-Akhbar newspaper on Wednesday that the dossier of soldiers who were kidnapped during clashes with armed groups in Arsal as well as the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon are a pivotal test for the performance of the cabinet.
The source added to the newspaper that "containing the security situation in Arsal is in the hands of the military institution," stressing that the cabinet gave the said institution the green light to carry out its duties.
The source also noted that statements pointing out that Lebanon may no longer receive refugees are no longer necessary; emphasizing that measures should be implemented to decrease the presence of Syrians in the country.
Parliamentary sources affiliated with the Future Bloc commented Wednesday on the meeting which was held between the Secretary General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Change and Reform Bloc leader MP Michel Aoun.
In this regard, the sources told
Al-Akhbar newspaper that Aoun and Nasrallah should bear the responsibility of the deteriorating situation in Lebanon.
“MP Michel Aoun is waiting for Hezbollah’s Nasrallah to take a certain decision, and the latter is awaiting Iran’s approval,” the sources said.
The sources also noted that Hezbollah and Free Patriotic Movement deputies do not have the right to boycott legislative sessions aimed at electing a new president, stressing that either they should attend the sessions or announce the candidacy of MP Aoun.
Al-Hayat newspaper reported on Wednesday that positive developments pertaining to the release of soldiers who were kidnapped during clashes with armed groups in Arsal were witnessed on Monday overnight.
In this regard, sources reported to the newspaper that the family of the abducted soldier Georges Khoury met the latter for almost an hour in the presence of Sheikh Moustapha al-Hujeiri, stressing that an Al-Nusra official told them that the group is awaiting the response of the Lebanese cabinet regarding the swap deal it had previously proposed.