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.
Al-Joumhouria Daily reported that
the most dangerous statement made by former Minister Michel Samaha during
interrogations lies in his confession
which points to the Syrian regime as the main culprit behind the order for bomb plots.
According to the daily, General Ali
Mamlouk was the one issuing the order as he handed over the explosives to
Michel Samaha as well as a sum of money to be distributed to all perpetrators in
Lebanon. In this context, security forces seized inside the latter’s house US $
170, 000 in cash.
Samaha said: “the Syrian president
wants so, Bashar wants so”.
According
to the information made available to the daily, Samaha told investigators after
his confessions that he was very regretful, saying “how could innocent
civilians pay with their lives?”
Interior
Minister Marwan Charbel confirmed to
As-Safir Daily that he learned of the
judicial warrant against former Minister Michel Samaha only after the arrest
was carried out.
Charbel
added that he asked the investigative side to move on quickly with investigations
given the delicate nature of the case and
to submit the results to the Public Prosecution, in order for the judiciary to take on the case.
Charbel
stressed that no one should speculate on the issue before the end of investigations and the issuance
of the verdict.
The
minister confirmed that investigations will be conducted clearly and transparently, adding
that some information will be made public by the judiciary following
investigations in order to clarify the entire issue.
In turn, Justice Minister Shakib Kortbawi told the
daily that the way Samaha was arrested is “not acceptable at all”.
Al-Akhbar
Daily reported that Dar al-Fatwa insisted on the speaker of Imam Ali Ben Abi Taleb
Mosque Sheikh Zakaria al Ghandour not to allow Sheikh Ahmad Assir
to deliver his Friday sermon today even if the latter demanded so.
Acting
public attorney, Judge Samir Hammoud, confirmed to A
l-Akhbar Daily that former
Minister Michel Samaha made his confessions willingly and was not “broken down”.
Hammoud
added to the daily that he gave the information division the green light to raid
Samaha’s house and office based on the evidence made available to security
forces.
The
judge confirmed that Samaha is in good health and was not subjected to any pressure
or harassment.
Al-Joumhouria
Daily reported that Syrian President Bashar Assad has called the highest
official authorities in Lebanon to demand the release of former Minister Michel Samaha.
Samaha was arrested on Thursday inside his house in
al-Jiwar over involvement in explosion plots.
Diplomatic
sources confirmed to
Al-Liwaa Daily that Lebanese Ambassador to Syria Michel
Khoury has left Damascus after concerned Lebanese authorities authorized his
departure from his office in the Syrian capital.
Ambassador Khoury had earlier requested permission
to return to Beirut given the worsening security situation in Damascus.