Press Digest for Tuesday November 04, 2014

3^min

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.

PSP leader Jumblatt praises Nasrallah's speech as "positive"

National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt commented Tuesday on the speech that was delivered yesterday by the Secretary General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, saying "the country needs a positive speech now more than ever".

In an interview with As-Safir newspaper, MP Jumblatt hailed Nasrallah's speech as "positive," praising the tribute the Hezbollah chief paid to the Future Movement, Sunni Sheikhs and the "moderate movement" in Lebanon.

In this regard, MP Jumblatt hoped his move will pave the way for constructive dialogue that aims to protect Lebanon.

LF leader Geagea to launch presidential initiative on Tuesday

Politicians close to the Lebanese Forces party said LF leader Samir Geagea is likely to focus on the election of a new president as a prelude for addressing internal crises, in an initiative to be launched today.

"Geagea is also set to voice readiness to make sacrifices in a bid to elect a head of state," the politicians told An-Nahar daily.

They added that the LF bloc will vote in favor of the extension of the parliament's mandate during Wednesday's session.

Minister Zoaiter says early to say if demands of Lebanese troops kidnappers will be accepted

Public Works and Transport Minister Ghazi Zoaiter said on Tuesday that the cabinet will discuss the developments in the Arsal captives dossier during Thursday's session.

"It is early to say whether the demands of the Lebanese troops kidnappers will be accepted," the minister told Al-Liwaa daily.

"The file is in the hands of the ministerial crisis cell," Zoaiter said, hoping the captives will return safe and sound to their families.

Salafist cleric Shahhal denies having called for clashes with LAF

Salafist cleric Dai al-Islam al Shahhal has denied having called for clashes with the Lebanese Armed Forces, noting that he has repeatedly warned against any standoff with the military institution.

"Decisions and measures being implemented in Lebanon are largely influenced by Hezbollah," Shahhal told An-Nahar daily on Tuesday, in reference to the arrest warrant the army issued against him.