Press Digest for Friday October 24, 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.

Military source says army arrested "one of the most dangerous terrorists"

A senior military source said on Friday that the Lebanese army arrested "one of the most dangerous terrorists" after tracking a network in the northern town of Assoun.

"The raid was conducted after the army confirmed the fugitive's whereabouts in order to avoid any risk to civilians' lives," the source told An-Nahar newspaper.

"Other terrorists are also being pursued in the same way," the source said, noting that the Asoun cell aimed to launch fierce attacks against the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Military source says al-Donnieh cell was plotting bomb attacks, terrorist acts

"The operation that took place on Thursday in the al-Donnieh region confirms that the North is not abandoned nor is it controlled by Islamic State militants and terrorists," a military source told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday.

"The army did not shoot directly at the three terrorists who were killed during Thursday's raid," the source said, noting that soldiers clashed with terrorists and the apartment housing the militants was loaded with ammunition, bombs and explosive materials.

"This group of militants was plotting bomb attacks and terrorist acts in numerous regions," the source said, adding that the Lebanese army will pursue other members.

Maj. Gen. Ibrahim says negotiators dealing with Arsal captives dossier did not receive 'serious' demands from kidnappers

The Director General of General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, said on Friday that negotiators dealing with the Arsal captives dossier did not receive yet any "serious or official" demands from the kidnappers.

"We are awaiting the Qatari mediator," Ibrahim told Al-Joumhouria daily, hoping that the file of the kidnapped Lebanese troops will remain shrouded in secrecy so that negotiations will not be affected.

Social Affairs Minister Derbass says Lebanon, Jordan to submit 'unified document' at Berlin conference

Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbass said on Friday that Lebanon and Jordan are set to submit a unified document at the Berlin conference to be held on October 28.

This comes as both countries are facing similar situations with regards to the Syrian refugee crisis, Derbass told An-Nahar daily.

"Prime Minister Tammam Salam will deliver a speech during the conference," the minister noted, saying "the assistance Lebanon has requested is estimated by the Friends of Lebanon Conference at 2 billion and 200 million dollars".