Press Digest for Wednesday September 17, 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.

Speaker Berri says last meeting with MP Adwan was "positive"

Speaker Nabih Berri told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that his last meeting with Lebanese Forces MP Georges Adwan was "positive."

Berri also noted that he agreed with Adwan on limiting legislation activities during the presidential vacuum to crucial issues.

As for his meeting with Kataeb MP Sami Gemayel, Berri said that the lawmaker expressed readiness to cooperate with all sides to end the political deadlock in the country.

Minister Machnouq to buy weapons from Russia - sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that Minister of Interior Nohad Machnouq will pay a visit to Russia.

The same sources added that the Minister may buy weapons for the Internal Security Forces from Moscow whose expenses will be covered partly by the Saudi grant to Lebanon.

Iraqi PM al-Abadi expresses discontent over failure of Iraq's parliament to approve candidates - sources

Sources told al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Wednesday that Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi voiced discontent over the failure of Iraq's parliament to approve his candidates for the positions of defense and interior minister during Tuesday's vote.

The same sources added that al-Abadi noted that he will not approve any other candidates before holding discussions with all the parliamentary blocs.

Speech of Grand Mufti Sheikh Daryan forms a "roadmap" for Lebanon and the region - sources

Sources told al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Wednesday that the speech delivered by the newly-elected Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Daryan has "positive and great impacts" on the Lebanese political scene.

The same sources noted that the speech forms a road map for the current phase in Lebanon and the region.

According to the daily, the sources concluded by saying that the Dar al-Fatwa is seeking to play a leading role in the country.