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.
Telecommunications Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui told
As Safir Daily that the telecommunications sector’s revenues will increase this year by $100 Million, while last year’s revenues reached 1.4 Bln US dollars.
Sehnaoui added that the problems the network is currently facing will be solved within the few upcoming months, as 1200 aerials will be installed and an improvement plan will be applied, stressing that network problems are likely to happen when there is a shift from a mobile generation to another.
Al Akhbar Newspaper published on Thursday that 3000 Kalashnikov bullets were missing from the ISF’s ammunition warehouse in Bedaoui. A sergeant and 3 gendarmes were later arrested and investigations revealed that the stolen ammunition was sold to Syrian rebels.
The case was not referred to the Military Court and the sanctions were strictly disciplinary.
Separately, the newspaper reported that the Russian government has shown utmost interest in arming the Lebanese Army recently endorsed by the cabinet.
According to the Daily, the Russians contacted the concerned Lebanese officials to look over the plan.
Al Akhbar Daily reported on Thursday that the security situation in Sidon was a major subject in yesterday’s cabinet session.
According to the newspaper, the ministers discussed the delicate situation in the city since it is the capital of the South and contains several extreme movements, as well as Ain El-Helwe Palestinian camp.
The daily added that the ministers agreed that Sidon’s road should not be blocked since it is a passage for the LAF and the UNIFIL.
Hezbollah’s ministers explained that the religious slogans were raised on the occasion of Ashura and Martyr Day and were not meant for provocation.
The newspaper emphasized that all ministers are against the Assir "phenomenon" revealing that they decided not to allow the arming of the Sheikh and his partisans.
In an interview with
Al Hayat Daily, Former PM Saad Hariri reiterated his request for the cabinet’s resignation, stressing that the problem does not reside in PM Jaib Mikati in person but in the whole cabinet and its objectives.
Hariri called on Hezbollah to reconsider its position from the Lebanese and Syrian situations.
“Supporting a despotic regime is very dangerous and immoral… I hope Hezbollah will wake up and reconsider its position that could cost Lebanon a lot,” he stated.
On the upcoming elections, Hariri emphasized that they will be held in due time, urging the cabinet to ensure fair elections. “March 14 will accept the results,” he added.
Al Akhbar Newspaper published on Thursday that the relatives of Lebnan Al-Ezzi, who was killed a few days ago during Sidon’s clashes were furious at Imam of Bilal Ben Rabah Mosque Sheikh Ahmad al Assir for declaring to publicly bury him on the Maksar El Abed roundabout.
According to the newspaper, the relatives are preparing to transfer the body to Al-Ezzi’s hometown in Nabatieh.