Press Digest for Monday October 27, 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.

LAF chief adamant on decision to attack terrorist cells

Sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Monday that Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Jean Kahwaji is adamant on his decision to attack terrorist cells and continue operations until the terrorists are eliminated.

"Operations will probably continue for a day or two," Kahwaji said, according to the same sources.

A political official who is in contact with the army chief also said that Kahwaji has responded to calls for a ceasefire in order to evacuate the wounded and trapped civilians.

"Kahwaji met such a demand at least twice, when he received it from Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri and then from Prime Minister Tammam Salam," the official concluded.

LF MP Zahra says Lebanon won't be a 'tool' in the hands of Iran

Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra said LF leader Samir Geagea was reassured following his meeting with Saudi officials and Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri.

"Saudi Arabia is a close friend of Lebanon and the kingdom supports the state whereas Iran backs militias," MP Zahra said, in an interview with Al-Liwaa daily on Monday.

"International resolutions do not accept financial and military grants from Iran," he said, stressing that "Lebanon will not be a tool in the hands of Iran, like Hezbollah and the Syrian regime".

Speaker Berri says Lebanon's security could only be maintained by force

Speaker Nabih Berri voiced on Monday his concern over the incidents taking place in the northern city of Tripoli, and said: "What's happened wasn't surprising but comes as a normal result of provocative statements and widespread weapons".

"We could only maintain security by force and firmness," Al-Joumhouria newspaper quoted Speaker Berri as telling a visiting delagation.

"The Lebanese army and its leadership should not come under fire as the military institution is waging a fierce battle against terrorism," Berri added.

PM Salam says Lebanese army paying heavy price in Tripoli battles

Prime Minister Tammam Salam said he refuses to consider that Tripoli's security situation has spiraled out of control, noting that the Lebanese army is paying a heavy price while controlling the situation in the northern city.

"The army is unable to backtrack now," Salam told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Monday, noting that the military institution has made a lot of sacrifices in a bid to maintain peace and security in Akkar, Tripoli and other Lebanese regions.