Press Digest for Wednesday October 15, 2014

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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.

Mufti of Tripoli Sheikh al-Shaar: Lebanese army is capable of imposing security in Tripoli

Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Malek al-Shaar told al-Seyassah newspaper on Wednesday that the measures taken by the Lebanese army and the Internal Security Forces eased down security tensions in the northern city of Tripoli.

He also noted that "he trusts" the army's capability to impose security in the northern city.

Sheikh al-Shaar called on the Lebanese people to embrace the military institution in order to preserve Lebanon's stability and coexistence, adding that Tripoli's residents support the army and the state's institutions.

According to the daily, Sheikh al-Shaar reiterated his rejection to all forms of terrorism that "jeopardize Lebanon's unity."

Patriarch Rai to ask Geagea, Aoun to withdraw their presidential candidacies-sources

Sources told an-Nahar newspaper on Wednesday that efforts are being made in order to put an end to the deadlock in terms of the presidential vacuum.

The same sources added that the Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai will ask Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun to withdraw their candidacies, whether official or not, for the presidential polls.

According to the daily, Patriarch Rai will seek to nominate a presidential candidate who garners the approval of all Lebanese political factions.

Future bloc MPs reject Iranian grant to LAF-sources

Sources told al-Akhbar newspaper on Wednesday that the Future bloc MPs unanimously rejected the Iranian grant for the Lebanese army.

The same sources cited the International sanctions imposed on Tehran as the reason behind the decision.

According to the daily, Minister of Defense Samir Moqbel will pay a visit to Iran on Friday to tackle the grant with Iranian officials.

Cabinet to tackle relocation of refugees outside Arsal in upcoming cabinet session-sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that the committee tasked with establishing tented settlements for the Syrian refugees submitted its report to the Ministry of Interior.

The same sources added that the establishment of tented settlements for the refugees will be tackled during the next cabinet session.

According to the sources, the Ministry of Interior aims to relocate forty thousand refugees outside the border town of Arsal, adding that such a decision only awaits the approval of the cabinet.