The Lebanese judicial authorities released 9 armed Syrians, who had fled into the eastern Bekaa area, Agence France Presse reported on Saturday.

“The Military court ordered the release of 9 detained armed Syrian men this week after they entered Lebanon illegally,” a ministerial source told AFP.

An 18-year old teenager who claimed that he was abducted in the Baalbek village of Brital confessed that he planned his kidnapping with two other accomplices in order to split the ransom, the National News Agency reported.

The two partners demanded the teenager’s parents to pay a $100,000 ransom to win his release.

The Ministry of Energy revealed on Saturday the launching of the 700 megawatts project tenders for producing more electricity in May, the National News Agency reported.

The project aims at producing additional electricity in Zouk, Jiyeh and Deir Ammar power plants, after the World Bank approved the project that meets “the international standards and requirements.”

Hizbullah deputy Chief Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed on Saturday that the cabinet will not collapse despite everything, the National News Agency reported.

“March 14 is struggling with its political options and their approach to developments in Lebanon and Syria,” Qassem said.

President Michel Suleiman slammed on Saturday the rise in the discovery of spoiled food products in Lebanon, deeming such cases as “unacceptable.”

He said: “No political cover will be provided to anyone who harms the citizens’ health.”

Five people were wounded on Saturday when clashes broke out between security forces and students from the Phalange Party and National Liberal Party, reported Voice of Lebanon radio.

The students were protesting the new official history book that is being prepared to be taught at schools throughout Lebanon.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea praised on Saturday French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe’s recent message to Christians in the east, saying that it reflects France’s history and values.

He said in a cable to the minister: “Some tyrants’ claims that they are protecting Christians are in fact a cover for forcing the Christians to submit to their will.”

The petroleum sector in Lebanon is expected to hold a strike on Thursday, reported the daily An Nahar on Saturday.

The strike will be held as a warning to officials over their failure to properly tackle the price of oil since 2002.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stated that the proposals on government spending made at cabinet on Friday are not final suggestions on the matter, reported the daily An Nahar on Saturday.

He told the daily: “Efforts are underway to reach a final formula that includes all sides’ views on the matter.”

Energy Minister Jebran Bassil revealed that a plan to invest in Lebanon’s water wealth has been reached in cooperation with several local and international powers, reported As Safir newspaper on Saturday.

He told the newspaper: “The long-term strategic and national plan extends until 2035 at a cost of USD 9 billion.”