Press Digest for Tuesday January 06, 2015

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.

Islamic State group issues new demands to release kidnapped troops- sources

Sources told As-Safir newspaper on Tuesday that the Islamic State militant group has issued new demands to release the Lebanese troops who were kidnapped in the border town of Arsal back in August.

“The group demanded the formation of a committee comprised of Sheikh Wissam al-Masri and representatives of Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri, National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt and Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea,” the sources said.

They added that the IS group wants the aforementioned committee to be tasked with negotiations aiming to secure the release of the hostages.

“Al-Masri was informed, two days ago, via a phone call from an Islamic State commander in Arsal’s barren range, about the group's demand and in turn, he briefed the concerned authorities,” the same sources concluded.

Syrian ambassador to Lebanon slams decision to impose visa on Syrians

Syrian ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdel Karim Ali told Al-Akhbar daily on Tuesday that a new measure whereby Syrian nationals are required a visa for entry into Lebanon does not go in line with the historical relation between the two peoples.

“This measure also contradicts the agreements that were signed between both countries as well as the procedures that regulate the entry of individuals,” the ambassador said.

For his part, Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbass said the destination of those who enter Lebanon could only be revealed by previously writing it down on papers.

Islamic State, Nusra Front militants across Lebanese border lack supplies -reports

Foreign Intelligence reports said militants from the Islamic State group and the Nusra Front on the eastern border of Lebanon lack strength and supplies, which prevents them from launching a major military offensive against the country.

Al-Joumhouria newspaper also quoted the reports as saying that armed men in Syria’s Qalamoun are unable to get support from their strongholds in eastern Syria as Syrian regime forces and Hezbollah fighters are closely monitoring all the main roads that may be used to transfer support to Qalamoun.

Change and Reform bloc MP Khazen says Aoun-Geagea meeting to be held soon

Change and Reform bloc MP Farid el-Khazen said preparations are being made for a dialogue between Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun and Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, noting that both officials are set to meet very soon.

In an interview with the Kuwait-based Al-Seyassah daily, Khazen said dialogue between Geagea and Aoun is due to tackle specific topics including the presidential elections and the characteristics of the new head of state.

“We are concerned with [preserving] the presidential post more than the identity of the new president,” Khazen added.