The Army Command stated on Tuesday that its units throughout Lebanon are continuing their efforts in assisting citizens who have been stranded by the snow and floods caused by the storm that has been affecting the country since Saturday.

It said in a statement that it has been helping stranded citizens throughout Lebanon, most notably in the areas of Baalbek, Akkar, Jbeil, and Keserwan.

Trade and Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas stressed on Tuesday that the government is committed to the implementation of smoking ban but would consider amending it to support the restaurants sector and decrease their losses.

“We have to implement this ban but we can amend certain articles in it or issue executive in favor of the restaurants sector,” Nahhas said following talks with a delegation from the restaurant owners syndicate.

The number of Syrian refugees receiving assistance from the Lebanese government,the United Nations and non-governmental organizations has reached over 180,000.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees announced in its weekly report on Monday that 132,354 have been registered while 47,751 are awaiting registration.

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat openly opposed on Tuesday the adoption of the Orthodox Gathering proposal, describing it as an “adventure.”

“Adopting the Christian proposal has many risks that would lead to extremism and isolation of sects,” Jumblat told As Safir newspaper.

Six parliamentary blocs approved the electoral law proposed by the Orthodox Gathering during the first round of discussions aimed at reaching consensus on an electoral draft law, while only the Mustaqbal bloc and the National Struggle Front rejected it, LBCI television reported.

Several proposals were discussed during the meeting, the head of a parliamentary electoral subcommittee, MP Robert Ghanem, said.

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Tuesday that his party will not obstruct any electoral law that has Christian consensus, voicing hope that the electoral subcommittee meetings would reach common ground among the rival political parties.

“I will not oppose the Orthodox Gathering proposal if the Christians agreed on it, regardless of my opinion,” Berri said in comments published in As Safir newspaper.

Al-Mustaqbal bloc leader MP Fouad Saniora restated on Monday his rejection of the Orthodox Gathering's electoral law, adding that the bloc's lawmakers do not mind discussing the proposal suggested by the March 14 Christian parties.

"The bloc's decision is based on the values stated in the Taef accord and on our belief in fair representation and freedom of choice,” Saniora explained during an interview with MTV.

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias will pay an official visit to Lebanon on Thursday to discuss the prospect of cooperation in the exploration of offshore oil and gas.

Christofias will hold talks with President Michel Suleiman "to review economic issues and growth prospects that are opening up in the region in relation to the discovery of large reserves of hydrocarbons," a Cypriot official said on Monday.

Phalange Central Committee Coordinator MP Sami Gemayel restated on Monday his party's support for the small electoral districts' law, rejecting any postponement of the parliamentary elections.

"This law fairly represents the different Lebanese communities,” Gemayel said after the weekly meeting of the party's political bureau, explaining that stability in the country will “only be secured if everyone was accurately represented in the parliament”.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea on Monday called on the Free Patriotic Movement to seek its allies' approval of the electoral law proposed by the Orthodox Gathering -- under which each sect would elect its representatives -- or else endorse the electoral law proposed by March 14's Christians, which is based on 50 small electorates.

“We were among those who suggested amending the electoral law because the current law does not ensure proper representation and this is what several parties are saying,” Geagea said at a press conference he held in Maarab.