Press Digest for Saturday October 04, 2014

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.

• MP Aoun, Hezbollah hindering presidential elections – MP Hamadeh

MP Marwan Hamadeh stated on Saturday that MP Walid Jumblatt is exerting his effort to reach a possible swap deal pertaining to the release of abducted Lebanese troops.

On another note, MP Hamadeh stressed that MP Jumblatt is working to prevent any possible parliamentary void.

MP Hamadeh reported to the Kuwaiti newspaper As-Seyassah that Change and Reform Bloc MP Michel Aoun and Hezbollah are hindering all possible solutions for Lebanon’s current presidential deadlock, stressing that political talks held in Paris, aimed at unifying the political stance in Lebanon and discussing the extension of parliament’s mandate.

• Qatari envoy working to maintain safety of abducted troops - Sources

Ministerial sources reported to Al-Hayat newspaper on Saturday that ministers discussed during the last cabinet session held on Thursday (October 02) the dossier of kidnapped Lebanese troops for almost 3 hours.

The sources quoted Prime Minister Tammam Salam as saying that progress is being witnessed regarding the release of abducted troops, reiterating his support to the committee following up on the dossier.

“The unity of the Lebanese stance is a proof that finding a solution for this dossier is on the right track,” PM Salam was quoted as saying.

The sources noted that concerned officials are dealing with the issue of Lebanese troops in a confidential manner, adding that the Qatari envoy is working to secure the safety of troops.

• Majority of deputies supports extension of parliament’s mandate - Sources

An-Nahar newspaper reported on Saturday that extension of parliament’s mandate has become possible, adding that the majority of deputies supports this solution.

In this regard, sources told the newspaper that a parliament session will be held on the 20th or on the 21st of October to discuss the extension of parliament’s mandate, adding that the draft law will be later on referred to the Lebanese cabinet since it is currently fulfilling the duties of the Lebanese president.