Al-Ahbash denied threatening to bomb a catholic school:

The anonymous SMS claiming that Patriarch Sfeir had received a phone call from Al-Ahbash that involved a threat to bomb a Catholic school is suspicious, malicious and false. It is also aimed at inciting fear, panic and sedition, Al Abash ( Jam’iyyat al- Mashari’ al-Khayriyya al-Islamiyya ) said in a statement .

French,Belgian skiers trapped under the snow due to avalanche

LBC reported that one person was injured in the avalanche that took place at Dahr al-Qadib near Qornet al-Sawda. French and Belgian skiers are among those trapped under the snow. Rescue efforts have stopped due to the thickness of the snow and poor visibility. (more…)

Hariri’s coalition will not join the cabinet

An official close to Nagib Mkati told AFP that the PM-designate would probably form a government of technocrats and politicians, noting that “it is now clear that Hariri’s coalition does not want to join the government.” (more…)

Mikati ends talks over govt formation

Lebanon’s Hezbollah-backed prime minister designate Najib Mikati on Friday wrapped up consultations on forming a new government set to be boycotted by his Sunni rival Saad Hariri. (more…)

Franjieh: Not all parties will be in the new government

Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh said after his meeting with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati as part of parliamentary consultations to form a government, It is likely that the new government will be one color.

He added all the religious sects will be represented in the government but not all the political parties. (more…)

Fatfat: March 8 will regret ousting Hariri

March 14 MP Ahmad Fatfat said on Thursday that the March 8 coalition will regret nominating Prime Minister-designate Nagib Mikati because the coalition will not able to get from Mikati what it would have been able to get from outgoing PM Saad Hariri. (more…)

Mikati: Decison over STL must be based on consensus

During an interview with Reuters on Thursday Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati said that he will attempt to achieve consensus in Lebanon on how to deal with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).

We will hold dialogue to see what to do about the STL, he said, adding that “the decision is not mine alone. Any decision in Lebanon must be based on consensus.” (more…)

Oghassabian thinks the government has already been formed

Minister of State Jean Oghassabian of the Armenian reconciliation bloc told MTV on Thursday following his meeting with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati:

“Our political camp holds onto Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) . He added “The ministerial policy statement will highlight Miqati’s real intentions. ” (more…)

Assad accepted credentials of new U.S. ambassador

U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford presented his credentials Thursday to Syrian President Bashar Assad, Damascus said.

Assad accepted Ford’s credentials Thursday in a ceremony attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem and Minister of Presidential Affairs Mansour Azzam. (more…)

Murr: My son and I are not ministerial candidates

MP Michel al-Murr said on Thursday following his meeting with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, that his son caretaker Defense Minister Elias al-Murr does not want to be a minister again.
(more…)