Press Digest for Wednesday December 10, 2014

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.

• Maj. Gen. Ibrahim awaiting written pledge from kidnappers of soldiers

Al-Joumhouria newspaper stated on Wednesday that the meeting held between a delegation from the Association of Muslim Scholars and General Security Chief Major General Abbas Ibrahim was positive.

The newspaper noted that Major General Ibrahim reported to the delegation that he will not hold any negotiations aimed at securing the release of the abducted soldiers before receiving a written pledge from the Islamic State and Al-Nusra Front stating that they will halt the execution of soldiers.

• Gemayel to hold talks with Patriarch Rai

Sources reported to An-Nahar newspaper that Kataeb party leader Amine Gemayel will visit Bkerke on Wednesday to hold talks with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai.

The newspaper noted that Patriarch Rai will tackle with Gemayel, as well as Change and Reform Bloc leader MP Michel Aoun, Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea, and Marada Party Leader MP Sleiman Frangieh the possibility of holding a Maronite summit to discuss the dossier of the presidential elections.

• PM Salam in France to tackle delivery of weapons to LAF

Sources close to Prime Minister Tammam Salam stated that he is bidding on his visit to France today (December 12) to tackle the possibility of speeding the delivery of weapons to Lebanese Armed Forces.

The sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that PM Salam will hold talks with French President Francois Hollande, his French counterpart Manuel Valls, and President of the French National Assembly Claude Bartolone.

The sources also noted that Salam will meet with Lebanese officials in France.

• Security and political officials voice their support to initiative of Muslim Scholars

Sources close to the Association of Muslim Scholars told Al-Akhbar newspaper on Wednesday that General Security Chief Major General Abbas Ibrahim, Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq, Army Commander General Jean Kahwagi, and MP Walid Jumblatt voiced their support to the initiative of the association.

Meanwhile, security and political officials ruled out the possibility of releasing inmates accused of participating in terrorist attacks in Lebanon, adding that the association will not have a public authorization from the cabinet although Lebanese factions support all initiatives aimed at securing the release of the troops.