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.
An-Nahar published the highlights
of the report prepared by the head of the Arab monitors' mission in Syria, Mohammed
al-Dabi, who will present them during the meeting of the ministerial committee
assigned with following up on the developments in Syria.
First, the monitors noticed the presence of
sufficient representation of Arab satellite channels, as well as reporters for
foreign channels such as BBC, Algerian TV, German TV, Austrian TV and
correspondents for Turkish and British newspapers.
Second, the mission registered a positive
response from the part of the Syrians after the deployment of the monitors in
Syria; the opposition welcomed them and citizens were reassured by their
presence.
Third, the report mentioned that the monitors
were victims of a “fierce, unprecedented” media campaign.
Al-Dabi concluded his report by saying that
some parties are trying to undermine the monitors’ mission.
Sources close to Labor
Minister Charbel Nahas told An-Nahar newspaper that despite his presence on
Friday at the Labor Ministry, the minister did not elaborate a final decision.
The sources said that
Nahas is now thinking about his next step after the outcome of his wage
adjustment project. Thus, he will not take a final decision before his meeting
with Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun, expected to be held Saturday
morning.
A prominent parliamentary
source in the Future bloc told As-Safir newspaper that MP Saad Hariri will
return to Beirut before mid-February.
The source said that the
bloc is thinking about organizing a political festival at BIEL in memory of
February 14, similar to last year’s festival, and then preparing for a large
political and popular festival to celebrate the memory of March 14 at the
Martyrs’ Square.
The possible candidate for
presidency in Egypt Amr Moussa told al-Hayat newspaper that it is necessary to
define a secure role for the army in the expected constitution, adding that the
military council is not accused of committing a crime.
The former Secretary General
of the Arab League said that he is on good terms with the people of Tahrir Square,
adding that it is necessary that the army plays a secure role after the power
transition, in light of new constitution that will set the tasks of the main
state institutions.
French newspaper Le Figaro confirmed on Friday evening that
the death of French journalist Gilles Jacquier on January 11 in Homs is the
result of a mistake committed by the Free Syrian Army.
In contrast, the representative office of the Free Syrian
Army in Paris denied the information published by Le Figaro, accusing the
Syrian regime once again of killing Jacquier.
The office stressed that the only weapons that the Free
Syrian Army has to protect civilians are light weapons such as Kalashnikov rifles
and RPGs.