Press Digest for Friday March 22, 2013

                     
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.

• Head of UCC Hanna Gharib: We are ready for the next round                

The head of the Union Coordinating Committee Hanna Gharib told As-Safir newspaper on Friday that the referral of the ranks and salaries series to the Parliament is an "achievement" for the union.    
                      
Gharib added that the referral round is "over and the UCC is ready for the next round", warning that he will not backtrack from "claiming 'their' rights".                        

• The General Security investigates with Lebanese fighter Hassan Srour                         

Security sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday that the Lebanese General Security launched judicial and administrative investigations with
Lebanese Talkalakh detainee Hassan Srour. 
                      
Sources added that Srour will not be prosecuted for joining a terrorist group in Syria.                           

• Geagea adamant on extending the mandate of security leaders                            

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea Samir Geagea asserted to As-Safir newspaper on Friday the necessity of extending the mandate of the military and security leaders amid the current tense security situation in Lebanon.                          

Geagea urged Speaker Nabih Berri to dedicate a Cabinet's session in order to put the extension of the security leaders' mandate to vote.                                     

• Cabinet's session tackles pay scale funding                    

Sources told Al-Akhbar newspaper on Friday that the cabinet agreed on several items in order to fund the ranks and salaries series.                  

Sources added that the series is tied to an increase in working hours and a tax hike on luxury goods in 19 articles linked to funding sources and was approved by the cabinet during its session at Baabda palace.                     

• Al-Shahhal: I am capable of issuing a Jihadi Fatwa against Syria                    

Dai al-Islam al-Shahhal told Al Joumhouria newspaper on Friday that he is capable of issuing a jihadi fatwa (edict) to send thousands of fighters to Syria.                       

According to the Daily, al-Shahhal disregarded the possibility that the Lebanese judiciary would summon him to questioning over allegations voiced by newly released Lebanese fighter Hassan Srour.