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.
Exclusive sources reported to
An-Nahar Daily that the number of dead of the Lebanese young men who were ambushed by the Syrian Army in Telkalekh is limited to 4.
According to the sources, the group was formed of 25 men, 4 were killed, 3 were detained and the rest joined the “Free Syrian Army”.
The sources added that the person who was helping the Lebanese young men to illegally cross the Lebanese-Syrian borders, reported the operation to the Syrian Army that conducted the surprise attack inside the Lebanese borders.
Circulating information reported that the Lebanese Army is in contact with the Syrians to reveal the fate of the young men and return them or the bodies of those who were killed to Lebanon.
In this context, Future Bloc MP Mustafa Aloush told the newspaper that ambiguity is surrounding the case, stressing that conflicting information is being given to the relatives of the young men.
An-Nahar Daily published on Sunday that Former PM Fouad Siniora told President Sleiman while meeting with him at the Baabda Palace March 14’s position from the national dialogue hasn't change, stressing that the bloc appreciates the efforts the president has been exerting to hold the dialogue session.
Siniora added that “their abstention is related to the non-commitment of the opposite party in the dialogue decisions”, emphasizing that “a neutral cabinet must be formed to rescue the country and prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections.”
For his part, president Sleiman told Siniora that the formation of a new cabinet is conditioned with the approval of the parliamentary majority.
The newspaper added that while Siniora was leaving Sleiman’s office, PM Najib Mikati arrived and the two shook hands. Mikati asked Siniora about March 14’s decision concerning the participation in the national dialogue sessions, while Siniora informed him that the bloc won’t participate in any session before the cabinet is replaced.
MP Talat Arslan said in an interview with
An-Nahar Daily that the current cabinet should stay in power until the Lebanese parties agree on the alternative.
Arslan stressed that President Michel Sleiman and MP Walid Jumblatt are playing a major role in maintaining stability, calling for amending the Taif Agreement.
Commenting on the upcoming parliamentary elections issue, Arslan emphasized that the 60’s electoral law encourages sectarianism.
On Syria, the Lebanese MP stated that reform and democracy cannot be achieved through violence.
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel told
An-Nahar Newspaper that the necessary security measures were taken for the 40th day remembrance of Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan in Tripoli and the sit-in Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir is organizing in Sidon.
Charbel stressed that the LAF will prevent road blocking in Sidon and will be firm when dealing with security violations.