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 reported on Saturday that, following consultation
between the three top officials and the concerned political forces in
the cabinet, it was decided to halt the deportation of Syrian citizens
regardless of judicial conditions that allow taking such measures.
Well-informed sources revealed to
An-Nahar Daily that, in light of the
ambiguity surrounding the issue of the 14 deported Syrian citizens, the
relevant resolutions were issued in batches two weeks ago, while the
deportation process included the 14 citizens all at once.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Thursday night, U.S. ambassador
Maura Conelly, and explained to her that the deportation took place for
judicial and legal reasons, denying that political motives were
involved.
Lebanon signed an international treaty in
2000 according to which Lebanon is not to send any Syrian citizen to
his country under the current circumstances. This treaty is above
Lebanese law and bilateral agreements between Lebanon and Syria.
A security official confirmed Saturday that the situation in Yamuna is
very risky, citing security reports that indicate the presence of many
insurgents in the town and its remote area. There are approximately 200 insurgents armed with medium weapons. The role of these
gunmen lies in prohibiting the security forces from destroying
cannabis crops.
The official reported to
Al Akhbar
Daily that it was first agreed to allow the cannabis destruction only
if the process is carried out by the LAF, and on condition that the
Central Narcotics Bureau and agricultural tractors be excluded.
The official affirmed that the destruction of the cannabis
will continue without mentioning whether the process will include today the
valleys of Yamuna and Dar Al Wasiaa. He confirmed
that the insurgents in both towns insist on brutal confrontation with
all possible means.
Al Akhbar Newspaper reported on Saturday that sources close to former
Prime Minister Saad Hariri started, upon the latter’s request, selling
some of his properties in Tripoli.
These assets include real estates and apartments located in new areas and neighborhoods in the city and its suburbs.
Al Akhbar Newspaper learned that Syria has become a magnet attracting
"jihadist" across the world, pointing out that ever since the crisis
started, migration to the “land of jihad” has begun.
Jihadist sources reported to the daily that foreign militants are from
different nationalities: Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi, Palestinian,
Kuwaiti, Tunisian, Libyan, Saudi and Yemeni. Some other Islamic
militants came from Afghanistan and Pakistan to join the Jihad.
According to the sources, these militants comprise groups fighting
under one banner. However, these groups are divided into several parties
that share the same “takfir” ideology, they added.
Meanwhile, available Syrian information confirmed that these militants are preparing for the “great battle”.
Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel, told
As-Safir newspaper that
discussions of electoral draft law will not drag on, confirming that
the draft law will soon be approved. The draft law shall be referred to
the parliament within few days, he added.
On the other
hand, Charbel denied the presence of political activists among the
deported Syrian citizens. He stressed that they have committed crimes
and were accordingly prosecuted.