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.
Sources reported to Al-Joumhouria newspaper that Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun, who visited Progressive Socialist Party Leader MP Walid Jumblatt on Tuesday, expressed his hope that no official or deputy would join them in the meeting.
In this regard, PSP sources reported to the newspaper that MP Jumblatt did not ask any official from his party to participate in the meeting, adding that he immediately headed after the meeting from Clemenceau to Beirut airport, pointing out that the latter was heading to France on a private visit.
Meanwhile, FPM sources stated that the meeting was positive, noting that further meetings will be held between Aoun and Jumblatt.
The sources also noted that talks featured high on the latest local and regional developments as well as the work of the cabinet, denying that MP Aoun asked Jumblatt to withdraw the candidacy of MP Henry Helou for the presidency.
Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister Samir Moqbel stated on Wednesday that he reported to concerned officials his decision which stipulates the extension of Lebanese Armed Forces Director of Intelligence Brigadier General Edmond Fadel’s mandate for a period of 6 months.
Minister Moqbel told As-Safir newspaper that the most important security position in the country should not be left vacant because officials cannot appoint a new chairman due to void at the presidential level.
Al-Mustaqbal newspaper stated that a meeting was held yesterday (Tuesday) between Change and Reform Bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan and Lebanese Forces official Melhem Riachi.
In this regard, sources reported to the newspaper that both officials tackled the final details of the document of principles which is expected to be finalized between the two parties.
The sources added that one item was added to the said document, emphasizing that Kanaan and Riachi discussed the road-map of the second stage of dialogue between the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces.
Official sources reported to Al-Mustaqbal newspaper that negotiations are still ongoing with concerned sides to secure the release of Lebanese troops who were kidnapped during clashes with armed groups in the northeastern border town of Arsal.
The sources added that the course of talks with the Al-Nusra Front is developing; however, stated that negotiations with the Islamic State remain at a deadlock.