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.
The European Union's Ambassador to Lebanon Angelina Eichhorst said that Lebanon stands at crossroads, noting that only by reactivating the work of the public institutions, will the situation improve.
In a statement to
an-Nahar daily, Eichhorst explained that this stagnation is due to the fact that the Lebanese authorities allow foreign interventions, adding that the events taking place in Syria and the region also leave severe repercussions on Lebanon.
A military source told
al-Joumhouria newspaper that the northeastern town of Arsal is not under siege, noting that all the roads leading to the town are passable, while the Lebanese army is conducted motorized patrols in order to protect the citizens and prevent any attack.
In this context, the source added that the army only cut off the mountainous roads, so that the terrorists will not be able to access the town, pointing out that the army does not allow the blockade of any Lebanese town, which may lead to a war between neighboring towns.
Speaker Nabih Berri declared that he possesses evidence that convicts Israel and confirms its attempts to steal large quantities of Lebanese natural gas, through a pipeline located in the Lebanese territorial waters, bordering with occupied Palestine.
In a statement to
as-Safir daily, Berri noted that he will reveal all the available data at the beginning of the new year, stressing that it is unacceptable that Israel continues its violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and natural wealth, without taking action.
In this context, Berri said that he will exert pressure on the cabinet in order to prioritize this issue.
Minister of State for Administrative Development Nabil de Freij told
al-Mustaqbal daily that the main obstacle hindering the election of a new president is the head of Change and Reform bloc MP Michel Aoun who considers himself as the only candidate for the presidency.
“Since Aoun has been named by Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah as the party’s candidate, he has no longer been a consensual candidate,” he said.
Accordingly, Minister de Freij added that while the International Community is calling for a consensual president in Lebanon, Aoun’s only option will be the obstruction of the elections.