Press Digest for Tuesday December 23, 2014

4^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.

First dialogue session between Hezbollah and Future Movement will be wide-ranging – Sources

Sources reported to An-Nahar newspaper on Tuesday that the first dialogue session between Hezbollah and the Future Movement will be general and will not tackle details that are scheduled for another session after the holidays.

The sources noted that the agenda of dialogue sessions will be set after the first meeting which aims at creating a suitable atmosphere for communication between both sides.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah sources told An-Nahar newspaper that its representatives are serious and realistic; stressing that these dialogue sessions will have positive impacts on the overall situation in Lebanon.

The sources also pointed out that Hezbollah is looking forward for these sessions seemingly since the party aims at easing the tension among Lebanese factions.

Arsal mayor says soldiers’ dossier should have been resolved

The mayor of Arsal Ali Hujeiri stated on Wednesday that the issue of soldiers who were kidnapped during clashes with armed groups should have been resolved already, pointing out that “certain sides are careless about the fate of the soldiers and their relatives.”

Hujeiri told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that in the upcoming few days there is a possibility of releasing some captives.

Meanwhile, ministerial sources ruled out via An-Nahar newspaper the possibility of paying a certain amount of money in exchange for a number of the abducted soldiers.

Hariri says dialogue with Hezbollah part of national cohesion - sources

Sources from the Future Movement told Al-Akhbar daily that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri considers dialogue with Hezbollah as part of national cohesion, and a main step towards reaching common grounds with the Shiite party.

In this context, the sources ruled out the possibility of including the disputed strategic matters to the dialogue’s agenda, such as Hezbollah’s military intervention in the Syrian conflict.

Environment Minister al-Mashnouq says extending work at al-Naameh landfill mandatory

Environment Minister Mohammad al-Mashnouq stressed that work at al-Naameh landfill will be extended.

In a statement to An-Nahar daily, al-Mashnouq explained that the Environment Ministry uses the landfill as a public facility that provides a service, adding that extending its term is mandatory.

“Tendering for new contracts will take a long time before reaching a final result, this is why the ministry has to continue its work in al-Naameh,” he stated.

Accordingly, the minister stressed the need to finalize this issue during today’s (Tuesday) cabinet session, noting that otherwise, a waste crisis will become inevitable.