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.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam stated on Saturday that there is a regional and international decision aimed at intensifying efforts to support Lebanon and aid it to face the threat of terrorism.
On another note, Salam told
An-Nahar newspaper that he will meet US Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly this month in New York.
PM Salam also stated that his official visit to Qatar scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday) aims at discussing the Qatari grants for Lebanon, adding that he will also visit the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, and other countries.
As for the issue of soldiers who were kidnapped during clashes with armed men in Arsal, Salam said that he will discuss this matter in Qatar.
Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq stated on Saturday that the issue of soldiers who were kidnapped during clashes with armed men in Arsal will be the first topic that Prime Minister Tammam Salam will discuss in Doha, pointing out that developments were not reached with the kidnapping side; however, negotiations are ongoing.
Minister Mashnouq told
Al-Liwaa newspaper that PM Salam reported to ministers earlier this week that he urged Turkish authorities to intervene in this issue; however, the said authorities did not respond to his demand.
Head of the Kataeb Party Amine Gemayel stated on Saturday that the initiative of March 14 forces does not tackle the issue of a third of forth presidential candidate, emphasizing that the said proposal aims at electing a president who garners the support of the entire Lebanese nation.
Gemayel told
Al-Akhbar newspaper that March 14 forces stated that they are ready to withdraw the candidacy of Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea and submit the candidacy of another official from the camp if this matter facilitates the election of a president.
In this regard, Gemayel did not rule out the possibility of withdrawing Geagea’s candidacy, stressing that March 14’s proposal emphasizes the necessity of electing a president capable of achieving national goals.
Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya MP Imad Hout expressed his concern on Saturday over engaging Lebanese factions in internal armed conflicts under the pretext of facing the threat of the Islamic State, stressing the necessity of controlling the Lebanese-Syria borders.
In this regard, MP Hout noted that Lebanon may not bear the repercussions of regional conflicts.
He also told
Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Lebanon is capable of protecting itself from the Islamic State only if Lebanese factions unite their efforts.
He also urged countries working to face the threat of the Islamic State not to turn a blind eye towards the threat of the Syrian regime.