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 quoted sources on Thursday as saying that officials who attended the dialogue session between the Future Movement and Hezbollah tackled the dossier of a national strategy aimed at confronting terrorism; however, noted that none of the officials presented a complete proposal.
The sources reported to the newspaper that officials did not tackle any other issue, pointing out that the atmosphere of the sixth meeting was positive.
Change and Reform Bloc Minister Elias Bou Saab reported to Al-Joumhouria newspaper that the meeting between MP Michel Aoun and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is a continuation to dialogue sessions that were previously launched.
In this regard, Bou Saab stated that these sessions led to the formation of the cabinet and to the recognition of the importance of partnership between Lebanese factions.
He also stated that these sessions are necessary in light of void, pointing out that communication between political parties is Lebanon’s only means out of the current deadlock.
On another note, he told As-Safir newspaper that he is keen on passing the series of ranks and salaries, emphasizing that he is tackling this matter with various officials in order to reach common grounds.
The cabinet’s crisis committee convened a session on Wednesday at the Grand Serail under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tammam Salam and in the presence of Defense Minister Samir Moqbel, Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil, Health Minister Wael Abou Faour, Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq, Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, General Security Chief Major General Abbas Ibrahim, and Higher Defense Council Chief Major General Mohammed Kheir.
In this regard, sources reported to Al-Joumhouria newspaper that officials tackled during the meeting, which lasted for less than 60 minutes, the latest developments pertaining to the dossier of abducted soldiers.
The sources added to the newspaper that Major General Kheir briefed officials on his latest visit to Qatar, emphasizing that Qatari officials might resume their mediation role with the Al-Nusra Front in a bid to secure the release of the kidnapped troops.
Al-Liwaa newspaper stated that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is expected to hold talks today (Thursday) with Head of the Kataeb Party Amin Gemayel.
In this regard, the newspaper noted that the meeting is part of Hariri's talks with March 14 officials, adding that it aims at restoring political activities in Lebanon.