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.
Future bloc MP Jean Ogassapian said on Monday that the decision to hold dialogue with Hezbollah is still in place, noting that “it is a strategic decision that aims to protect Lebanon”.
In an interview with Al-Joumhouria newspaper, MP Ogassapian said “all Lebanese parties are concerned with the security situation at home, the risk of going into a military confrontation with Israel and its fallout on the country’s stability”.
“This confrontation would also affect the Lebanese border, paving the way for terrorist groups to take advantage of the situation,” Ogassapian noted.
He added that the Israeli attack on the Syrian province of Quneitra is “unacceptable and rejected”.
An-Nahar daily reported on Monday that the ministerial committee tasked with following up on the Syrian refugee file is set to hold a meeting this week.
“The committee is due to assess the new measures that have been implemented to regulate the entry of refugees into the Lebanese territories,” the newspaper said.
“The committee would also look into relations with the United Nations in this regard, after Sigrid Kaag was appointed as the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon,” An-Nahar added.
“Dialogue sessions being held between Hezbollah and the Future Movement have created a positive atmosphere that no one can deny,” one the key participants in the dialogue told Al-Akhbar newspaper on Monday.
“The meetings have dealt with dangerous incidents such as the Jabal Mohsen suicide bombing, the Quneitra attack and the battle that took place in Ras Baalbek’s barren range,” the source said.
“No one’s role in dialogue sessions has been marginalized,” the same source noted, saying “key participants include Hezbollah Secretary General's Political Assistant Hajj Hussein Khalil and Future Movement leader Saad Hariri's bureau chief Nader Hariri”.
“Lebanon’s Ministry of Defense and the concerned officials were informed that the U.S. administration has decided to expedite the delivery of weapons and military assets to the Lebanese army,” ministerial sources said.
In an interview with Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Monday, the same sources said “the military equipment will be transported from U.S. army depots in Jordan and some bases in Arab Gulf States, more specifically in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates”.