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 Samir al-Jisr stressed on Friday that the security situation in the northern city of Tripoli is under control, noting that the Lebanese Armed Forces and the security apparatuses are fully assuming their duties.
Tripoli's residents are reassured by the measures that have been implemented by the LAF and the security forces, he told the Kuwait-based Al-Seyassah daily.
MP Jisr also denied the presence of any suspicious groups in the city, in reference to the Islamic State, adding however that a number of persons most likely "sympathize" with the group.
Speaker Nabih Berri told his guests on Friday he will accept the extension of the parliament's mandate if the parties reach a "serious and genuine" agreement on the election of a new president.
Al-Akhbar newspaper also quoted Berri as saying he respects the will of the parliament should the majority decide to extend its mandate, noting that he will vote, alongside his bloc, against the extension.
"Any possible meeting with Future bloc leader MP Fouad Siniora will only tackle the presidential entitlement," Berri said, adding that the Future bloc has not issued new stances over the resumption of presidential election sessions.
Security sources told Al-Mustaqbal daily on Friday that the Director General of General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, has played a significant role in contacts he held over the Arsal captives dossier.
The contacts resulted in the suspension of the Islamic State's threats to execute a captive Lebanese soldier, the same sources said.
"Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq, who started yesterday his official visit to Moscow, has also held direct contacts with Lebanese parties, which contributed to suspending IS threats," the sources added.
Sources told Al-Joumhouria daily on Friday that Speaker Nabih Berri received, during the last two days, a phone call from Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun.
MP Aoun said he would like to meet with Berri who, in turn, welcomed the idea, the sources said.
"Nonetheless, Speaker Berri preferred that other meetings be held between leaders of the Amal Movement and the Free Patriotic Movement as a prelude to his meeting with Aoun," the same sources added.