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Jumblat Considers Taef Accord Needs 'Improvements'

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat expressed willingness to amend the Taef accord, deeming it a must to safeguard the Christians in Lebanon.

Jumblat in remarks published in As Safir newspaper on Friday said that improving the Taef accord would also strengthen the jurisdictions of the country's top Christian post.

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Aoun's Silence on Geagea Proposal over Presidency Seen as a Rejection

Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun remained mum on a proposal made by his rival Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea to resolve the presidential deadlock but his silence was explained as a source of rejection.

Aoun met with a delegation from Maronite institutions on Thursday. Sources of the conferees in Rabieh said the lawmaker did not comment on a suggestion made by Geagea to either run against him for office or to meet and agree on a consensual nominee.

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Salam Fears Government Paralysis over Baabda Vacuum

Prime Minister Tammam Salam has expresses fears that the vacuum at the presidential palace would spill over to his cabinet, but hoped the government would not be paralyzed.

“Is there an intention to facilitate the task (of the government) or paralyze it?” Salam asked.

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U.N. Calls for Presidential Election 'as Soon as Possible' without 'External Interference'

The U.N. Security Council expressed "disappointment and concern" Thursday that an election of a new Lebanese president has not occurred and demanded that polls be held without delay.

In a unanimous declaration, the Council's 15 member states urged the country's parliament "to uphold Lebanon's long standing democratic tradition and to work to ensure that presidential elections take place as soon as possible and without external interference."

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Bassil Meets Steinmeier, Urges Action on Refugees before Lebanon 'Collapses'

Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil on Thursday stressed the need to “take the necessary measures” to address the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon and prevent the “collapse” of the country, noting that “Lebanon cannot await the political solution in Syria.”

“We explained the Lebanese strategy in combating international terrorism, especially in light of the Syrian spillover,” Bassil said after talks in Beirut with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

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Soaid Meets Geagea, Urges 'Measures' against Syrians Not Eligible for Refugee Status

March 14 General Secretariat Coordinator Fares Soaid on Thursday called for taking “necessary measures” towards Syrians “moving freely” between Lebanon and Syria, stressing that they are not part of the refugees who have fled “the killing machine called Bashar Assad.”

“The scene of the Syrian presidential elections that were held in Lebanon raises a question mark regarding the definition of a Syrian refugee. Do all Syrians residing in Lebanon really need to be in Lebanon?” Soaid said after meeting Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in Maarab.

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Kerry Contacts Suleiman, Calls for Electing President as Soon as Possible

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stressed on Thursday his country's support for Lebanon's stability, highlighting the cooperation between the two sides.

He emphasized during a telephone call with former President Michel Suleiman the need to elect his successor as soon as possible.

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Amin Withdraws from STL Contempt Case Initial Appearance in Protest against Proceedings

Al-Akhbar daily editor-in-chief Ibrahim al-Amin withdrew on Thursday from the initial appearance in the contempt case filed against him by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Amin withdrew from the session, before which he appeared via video-link from Lebanon, when STL Contempt Judge Nicola Lettieri interrupted him as he was reading a statement on his position from the STL.

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Embassy Says No U.S. Stance on Presidential Vacuum Other Than One Voiced by Hale

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has denied reports circulated by some newspapers on Thursday morning regarding Washington's stance on the presidential vote in Lebanon.

An embassy source told Naharnet on Thursday afternoon that the official U.S. stance was the one expressed by U.S. Ambassador David Hale on Wednesday.

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Most Wanted Drugs Smuggler in Brital Arrested

The Internal Security Forces announced on Thursday the arrest of the Bekaa region of Brital's most wanted drugs smuggler.

It said that Lebanese national, A.Y., was arrested with over 400 warrants against him.

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