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.
- Charbel: 10 cars to be detonated across Lebanon
According to
An-Nahar, Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel said that the government cannot neglect the security threats it is receiving and should take them into consideration, especially that the Internal Security Forces (ISF) hold information on terrorist groups ready to detonate more than 10 cars in several vital locations in Lebanon such as the ESCWA building in Beirut Down Town, the Future Movement bureau in Saida, Sassine square in Ashrafieh and Jounieh area.
Charbel added "these threats might not be true, but since the ISF received information in this regard, it should launch serious investigations to prevent any terrorist attack".
Charbel told
An-Nahar that security and stability in Lebanon are under control and that the ISF are ready to prevent any incident that could destabilize the internal scene amid the ongoing events in the region.
- Jumblatt: I would meet Hariri publicly
According to
Al-Liwaa, the head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt said that in case he meets with former PM Saad Hariri in Paris, it would be made public. Sources close to Jumblatt said that the current political situation is very complicated and might have unpredictable outcomes especially amid current discussions on the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
The sources added that Hezbollah and the Syrian regime oppose the STL, voicing Jumblatt’s concerns that this issue might lead the current PM Najib Mikati to resign from his position.
- Arrest warrant against Judge Said Mirza
According to
Al-Akhbar newspaper, an arrest warrant was issued in several West African countries against the Lebanese General Prosecutor Judge Said Mirza when Prince Adel Hashimi filed a case against him.
The arrest warrant that was published on several websites mentioned that Prince Hashimi deposited $104 million in Bank Beirut Riyadh and that the Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh, in collaboration with Director General Salim George, tried to use the money without the consent of the Prince. Hashimi filed a case against General Prosecutor Mirza who prevented him from legally prosecuting both Salameh and Salim.
General Prosecutor Judge Said Mirza told
Al-Akhbar daily that he will not visit any of these African countries who are acting as if they had their own “Interpol” organization.
- Nahas: Wage adjustment under discussion
According to
Al-Liwaa newspaper, Labor Minister Charbel Nahas said that the issue of wage adjustment is being discussed seriously and objectively, far from political tensions. Nahas added that a study has been conducted on the issue of incomes including wages and the minimum salary in Lebanon since the mid 90’s until present . "Any raise in salaries will boost the purchasing power", he said.
Nahas called on all parties to collaborate in order to find a solution before the set date for The General Confederation of Lebanese Workers’ strike on October 12, pointing out that the price index committee will meet on Thursday and will hopefully come up with important decisions.
- March 14 questions government silence
Sources close to March 14 coalition told
An-Nahar newspaper that several MPs will question the government's silence on Syrian breaches of Lebanon’s Eastern border. The sources said that the government has a duty to protect Lebanese territories, residents and their lands and properties.
"Lebanon is compelled to take firm stances against such breaches to avoid being affected by the sanctions imposed on Syria", the sources said.