Press Digest for Saturday January 17, 2014

3^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.

Minister Bassil: Stances issued against Bahrain do not represent Lebanese government

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil told An-Nahar newspaper on Saturday that the stances issued by some Lebanese leaders against Bahrain do not represent the Lebanese government.

Bassil also noted that Lebanon is keen on preserving its relations with Bahrain and the rest of the Arab countries.

French envoy Girault meets former PM Saad Hariri in Riyadh-sources

Sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday that French envoy Francois Girault met with former Prime Minister MP Saad Hariri on Tuesday in the Saudi capital.

The same sources added that Girault informed Saad about the results of his last visit to Tehran, noting that the French envoy discussed with the Iranian officials the Lebanese presidential elections and ways to break the deadlock in this regard.

According to the daily, the sources concluded by saying that Girault will pay a visit to Lebanon before the end of the current month.

Al-Nusra Front Emir in Lebanon orders terrorists to intensify operations against LAF-sources

Security sources told As-Safir newspaper on Saturday that Abou Malik al-Tali, Al-Nusra Front Emir in Lebanon ordered terrorists Chadi al-Mawlawi and Oussama Mansour to intensify the military operations against the Lebanese army, mainly in Tripoli and North Lebanon.

The same sources added that terrorist al-Mawlawi is coordinating the operations from Ain el-Helweh, while terrorist Oussama Mansour is in charge of delivering the explosive belts and explosive devices to the suicide bombers.

Fourth round of Hezbollah-Future dialogue to take place on January 26-sources

Sources told As-Safir newspaper on Saturday that the fourth round of the dialogue session between Hezbollah and the Future Movement is set to take place on January 26.

The same sources added that discussions will continue over the easing down of the sectarian rhetoric and ways to enhance the political security in the country.