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.
Sources following up on the situation in Tripoli stated on Wednesday that around 550 gunmen took part in the latest round of clashes, stressing that at least 40 of them were killed.
The sources also noted that 60 fighters were wounded, 190 arrested, and around 150 are still on the run.
The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that armed men left the northern city of Tripoli, but emphasized that they did not leave Lebanon.
Lebanese Forces MP Fadi Karam stated on Wednesday that the latest initiative launched by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri aims at resolving the presidential deadlock is a continuity to national proposals suggested by the March 14 forces, adding that the MP Hariri respects the constitution and its deadlines.
For his part, National Struggle Front MP Henry Helou told Al-Mustaqbal newspaper that MP Hariri’s initiative is essential in light of the country’s current unstable situation.
Meanwhile, Kataeb party MP Samer Saadeh told the newspaper that Hariri’s proposal is a call for holding national dialogue sessions in order to resolve some conflicting matters in Lebanon.
Al-Joumhouria newspaper stated on Wednesday that visitors of House Speaker Nabih Berri quoted him as saying that his meeting with Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun was positive, reiterating his keenness on the national pact when addressing the issue of prolonging parliament’s mandate.
According to Al-Joumhouria, Berri told deputies that he will call for a parliamentary session during the first week of the upcoming month to tackle the mentioned issue, stressing that he had informed MP Aoun and Lebanese Forces MP Georges Adwan about the matter at hand.
Commenting on the situation in the northern city of Tripoli, Berri’s visitors quoted him as saying that Lebanese Armed Forces carried out their duties, emphasizing that a deal was not brokered in order to secure the escape of armed men from the city.
Change and Reform Bloc MP Alain Aoun told Al-Liwaa newspaper on Wednesday that the bloc will announce its decision regarding a legislative session aimed at extending parliament’s mandate as soon as Speaker Nabih Berri calls for holding the session.
MP Aoun also said that MP Michel Aoun discussed with Speaker Berri during their meeting on Tuesday the presidential elections, ruling out the possibility of electing a president during the session scheduled for today (October 29).