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.
State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mohammad Fneish told Al-Joumhouria daily on Friday that negotiations over the Arsal captives dossier should remain away from the media spotlight.
"It is a national cause and the Lebanese cabinet is following up on this file," Fneish said, adding "the government is adamant on the safety of the kidnapped troops".
"Prime Minister Tammam Salam said meetings are being held by the ministerial crisis cell and the security apparatuses," the minister noted, hoping tireless efforts will pay off.
Al-Joumhouria newspaper reported on Friday that negotiations with the Qaeda-linked Nusra Front over the file of the kidnapped Lebanese troops resumed 10 days ago, noting that progress has been achieved in this regard.
"Mohammad Kheir, the general-secretary of the Higher Defense Council, met yesterday families of the captured troops, upon their request, on the sidelines of Thursday's cabinet session," the daily said.
"Kheir pointed out that concrete measures are likely to be implemented as soon as the Qatari mediator returns in the next few hours," the newspaper added.
Environment Minister Mohammad Mashnouq told Al-Liwaa newspaper on Friday that he will be ready, as of next week, to submit his proposal regarding the waste management problem.
In this context, Mashnouq said his proposal will not include any contract renewal with the Sukleen company.
Turning to the Ebola crisis, the outbreak of the deadly virus was tackled during Thursday's cabinet session after the Ministry of Agriculture asked for restrictions on livestock and animals imported from African countries.
In turn, Mashnouq said measures implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture in this regard do not need a cabinet decision, adding "all planes coming from Africa are being closely monitored".
Defense Minister Samir Moqbel is set to travel to Iran on Saturday after Ali Shamkhani, the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, announced Tehran's willingness to give a military grant to the Lebanese army, As-Safir daily reported on Friday.
"Moqbel is not authorized to sign any agreements or make commitments with regards to the military grant," sources told the newspaper.
"The Defense Minister shall only brief the Lebanese cabinet on the statements of Iranian officials in order to decide whether the grant should be accepted or not," the sources added.