Lebanon's Higher Defense Council on Wednesday rejected a proposal by Interior Minister Marwan Charbel to turn Sidon into a military zone in the wake of the deadly clashes that killed three people and wounded several others in the southern city.

“The council discussed the security situation in the country in general and in Sidon in particular and the security and judiciary authorities have been tasked with taking all necessary measures to prevent any security violations and preserve civil peace,” said the council's secretary-general Maj. Gen. Adnan Merheb after a meeting at the Baabda palace.

Independence Movement leader Michel Mouawad met on Wednesday with representatives of March 14 at the offices of the Phalange party in Melbourne, Australia.

Mouawad, who is on a political visit to the country, discussed with the group the situation of Lebanese expatriates and the latest political and security developments in Lebanon.

Military Tribunal Judge Saqr Saqr issued on Wednesday a search and investigation warrant against the son of Salafist cleric Ahmed al-Asir, Omar.

The warrant was issued on charges linked to an attempt to seize the weapons of security forces.

Cabinet approved on Wednesday a proposal to study the requirements to reactivate the Rene Mouawad Airport in Akkar as Prime Minister Najib Miqati criticized the March 14-led opposition's decision to boycott the national dialogue and government activity.

The Transportation and Public Works Ministry has been tasked with carrying out the study.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea accused on Wednesday Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah of “leading the country to a catastrophe due to his recent actions,” saying that the party leader is only working on achieving his interests in Lebanon.

He said during a press conference: “Nasrallah has taken it upon himself to act as judge to determine who takes part in the national dialogue.”

A military explosives expert removed on Wednesday four hand grenades found on the side of a road in the northern city of Tripoli, the National News Agency reported.

NNA said the grenades were found on the Abi Samra-Wadi Hab road.

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri held talks on Wednesday with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.

The two discussed the latest developments in the region and the importance of exerting all the possible efforts to achieve peace, Hariri's press office said in a statement.

Speaker Nabih Berri called on Wednesday for a Nov. 27 parliamentary session where Armenia's president Serzh Sarkisian is scheduled to give a speech.

Berri stressed that parliament will remain active despite the boycott by the opposition March 14 alliance.

The March 14 General Secretariat demanded on Wednesday President Michel Suleiman to intervene to maintain the state's national security, calling on declaring a state of emergency in the southern port city of Sidon over the recent incidents.

"The recent incidents are expected as illegal arms are spreading (across Lebanon), amid the security agencies' failure to carry out their tasks,” it said in a statement after its weekly meeting.

Minister of State for Administrative Reform Mohammad Fneish said on Wednesday that the illegal medications case should be withdrawn from media spotlight and political discussions.

“This case is harming the reputation of pharmaceutical companies,” Fneish told reporters before attending a cabinet session at the Grand Serail.