Press Digest for Tuesday January 20, 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.

Speaker Berri says implementation of security plan in Bekaa to kick off today-sources

Sources quoted Speaker Nabih Berri as saying on Tuesday that the implementation of the security plan in the Bekaa region will kick off today (Tuesday), adding that the security apparatuses will remain in the Bekaa region to arrest all fugitives.

The same sources told As-Safir newspaper that Berri vowed zero tolerance in the implementation of the security plan.

According to the daily, Berri concluded by saying that the security plan will restore peace and security to the Bekaa region.

PSP leader MP Jumblatt: Lebanon must remain vigilant not to be driven by Israel into any new confrontation

Progressive Socialist Party MP Walid Jumblatt told al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Tuesday that Lebanon cannot bear the results of any additional military ventures, adding that the Israeli strike against Hezbollah took place on Syrian territory and not in Lebanon.

Jumblatt added that he believes that Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has enough wisdom to know that Lebanon cannot bear the results of military action.

“We must remain vigilant not to be driven by Israel into any new confrontation,” he concluded by saying.

Three main reasons behind Israeli strike against Hezbollah -sources

Sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper that there are three main reasons behind the Israeli strike against Hezbollah in Syria.

The same sources added that Israel is trying to sabotage the recent US-Iranian rapprochement over the nuclear file.

According to the daily, the sources also noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims at boosting his popularity among the Israelis ahead of elections.

As well, the Israeli army attempted to raise the morale of its soldiers following the televised speech of Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

MP Adwan says dialogue with FPM will not solve controversial issues overnight

MP Georges Adwan told As-Seyassah newspaper on Tuesday that the dialogue between the Lebanese Forces and the Change and Reform bloc aims at restoring relations between the two sides.

MP Adwan added that the controversial issues that include Hezbollah’s weapons and the party's military involvement in Syria will not be solved overnight, adding that the dialogue will need some time.

He concluded by saying that both officials will discuss the presidential elections in a bid to break the deadlock.