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.
An-Nahar newspaper stated on Thursday that US Ambassador David Hale’s visit to Prime Minister Tammam Salam was based upon his keenness on Lebanon’s security and stability.
Meanwhile, sources reported to the newspaper that US-Israeli ties are passing through a critical stage, however noted that “those in Lebanon who are seeking to escalate the situation with Israel should not expect from Washington to ease any tension.”
A military source reported to Al-Joumhouria newspaper that the visit of Army Commander Major General Jean Kahwaji to the northeastern border town of Arsal was not related to the implementation of the security plan in Lebanon’s Bekaa, pointing out that the latter inspected army positions in the region and checked on forces deployed in the town.
The source also noted that arresting an Islamic State official in Arsal along with another citizen accused of targeting army positions across Lebanon is proof that Lebanese Armed Forces soldiers are carrying out their duties to the fullest extent in Arsal.
Prominent sources reported to Al-Joumhouria newspaper that Director of the Middle East and North Africa department in France's Foreign Affairs Ministry Jean-Francois Giroux met on Monday at the Vatican with a number of officials and tackled with them the latest developments in Lebanon as well as the presidential entitlement.
The sources noted that Giroux briefed officials on his visit to Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the meeting he held with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
In this regard, the sources stated that the French official will have to restart all his negotiations seemingly since Tehran retreated from pledges it had made due to the tension in Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain.
The sources said that Giroux informed Lebanese officials that he had postponed his scheduled visit to Lebanon, emphasizing that he will hold a new round of talks before heading to Beirut.
General Security Chief Major General General Abbas Ibrahim stated on Thursday that the dossier of Lebanese soldiers who were kidnapped in Arsal is on the right track; however, noted that negotiations are following a slow pace due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Ibrahim told Al-Akhbar newspaper that various talks are being held with mediators who are briefing Lebanese officials on the demands of the kidnappers and in turn reporting to the abductors the demands and proposals of Lebanese authorities.
“We are ready to agree on an exchange deal if it falls under the rule of law. There are positive indicators that may end the abduction of soldiers,” Major General Abbas stated.