Press Digest for Tuesday November 18, 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.

MP Rahme denounces security breaches in Btedei

Deputy Elie Rahme denounced on Tuesday the latest security breaches that erupted in the town of Btedei, pointing out that the citizens of the said town as well as all clans are calling on concerned officials to arrest perpetrators.

In the same regard, Bishop Semaan Atallah told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that the situation in Deir El-Ahmar is not calm yet, adding that contacts are being held with Shiite officials in the region in order to maintain stability.

He also noted that direct talks are being held with the army command, urging Lebanese Armed Forces to arrest criminals and impose their authority in the region.

Berri says MP Aoun’s opinion may not be disregarded

House Speaker Nabih Berri reported to As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun will have the strongest opinion when reaching an agreement over a consensual president.

In this regard, Berri noted that Lebanese factions may not disregard the fact that Aoun has a wide representation at the Christian level, adding that he is the leader of the biggest Christian parliamentary bloc.

Fugitive Chady Mawlawi reached the Ain El-Helwe refugee camp - Official

A security official reported to As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that fugitive Chady Mawlawi is in the Ain El-Helwe refugee camp.

“We are aware that Sheikh Ahmad Assir is in Ain El-Helwe, but we are not sure whether he met with Mawlawi,” the security official said.

According to reports, Mawlawi reached the said refugee camp last week, adding that he used a fake identity card to pass from north Lebanon to Sidon.

Siniora hesitant about dialogue between Future Movement and Hezbollah

Al-Joumhouria newspaper reported on Tuesday that House Speaker Nabih Berri and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt expressed their hope that dialogue sessions between the Future Movement and Hezbollah create a positive atmosphere in the country.

In this regard, sources told the newspaper that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri voiced his readiness to hold these sessions; however, head of the Future Movement, former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora is still hesitant.