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.
Head of the Future Movement, Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri will be the guest of
Kalam Ennas this evening on LBCI.
In this regard,
As-Safir newspaper stated that Hariri will reiterate his position, which stipulates the importance of maintaining stability in Lebanon and protecting the military institution.
On another note, the newspaper stated that Hariri will not resort to tense rhetoric with Hezbollah since he is willing to hold dialogue sessions with the said party, pointing out that Saudi Arabia is praising internal dialogue with Hezbollah.
An-Nahar newspaper stated that the atmosphere of the cabinet session scheduled for today (Thursday) will not be calm in light of the exchange deal that led to the release of a Hezbollah fighter.
In this regard, ministerial sources told
An-Nahar newspaper that Lebanese officials are still negotiating to secure the release of the Lebanese soldiers.
Sources also noted that officials following up on the said dossier were astonished when Hezbollah reached a deal to release Imad Loubnan Ayyad, pointing out that Hezbollah's interference in the Syrian crisis is hindering the release of abducted soldiers.
An-Nahar newspaper stated that Lebanese officials along with a French delegation held a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) at the Defense Ministry and agreed on the military equipment that France will deliver to the Lebanese Armed Forces as part of the Saudi grant to Lebanon.
The newspaper noted that arms will be delivered over three batches; two of which will be delivered at the soonest time possible, but the delivery of the third will take extra time since the requested equipment is not available and should be manufactured.
Future Bloc MP Ahmad Fatfat stated on Thursday that trust should be restored in order to hold dialogue sessions with Hezbollah seemingly since the latter did not adhere to issues agreed upon during previous dialogue sessions.
He also noted that Hezbollah does not spare a chance to reassure that its priorities are Iranian rather than Lebanese.
At the presidential level, Fatfat asked via the Kuwaiti newspaper
As-Seyassah whether the March 8 forces are ready to attend a session aimed at electing a president.
He also asked whether the other party still believes that the benefit of Lebanon is more important than that of Iran and Syria, stressing that Hezbollah had previously voiced its support to MP Michel Aoun as a presidential candidate, but did not show its readiness to elect him.