The Special Tribunal for Lebanon's Appeals Chamber kicked off on Monday a second open hearing to hear the appeal against the decision on the jurisdiction and the legality of the Tribunal.

The Trial Chamber dismissed on July 27 the four Defense motions challenging the jurisdiction and legality of the Tribunal.

President Michel Suleiman on Monday called for respecting “the right of peoples to self-determination,” describing as a “mistaken belief” the notion that the current conflicts in the Arab countries were caused by the diversity of some Arab societies.

Addressing the Summit of South American and Arab Countries, or ASPA, which started on Monday in Peru, Suleiman said “a balanced liberalism, a policy of openness, a real democracy, and respecting the rights of others, stability and peace are the effective path for finding the needed solutions to the aforementioned difficulties.”

Twenty-Seven kidnapping cases occurred in Lebanon, particularly in the Bekaa, within a year, An Nahar newspaper reported on Monday.

According to a security report obtained by the daily, the abductions were carried out by19 wanted suspects, most of whom reside in the eastern towns of Balbaak and Hermel, and three others from the Shouf region.

The deadlock over the new electoral law remains at a standstill as the heated debate between Lebanese foes is ongoing as they are holding on to their proposals refusing to budge an inch.

In comments published As Safir newspaper on Monday, sources close to the March 8 alliance criticized a proposal submitted by their foes.

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed that he refuses to make any political maneuvers against his partners in Lebanon regarding the new parliamentary electoral law, reported the daily An Nahar on Monday.

He told the daily: “I will go ahead with an agreement reached by Christians over a new law.”

The controversial appointment of head of the Higher Judicial Council is expected to witness a breakthrough as Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun agreed to withdraw his candidate running for the post, Judge Tannous Mishleb.

Sources close to the FPM told al-Liwaa newspaper published on Monday that Aoun backed down on his candidate in return for having the Maronite seat in the oil authority, which is tasked with administrating the oil sector, that President Michel Suleiman was keen not to suggest any candidate of his own for the post.

A minor scuffle broke out on Sunday between Lebanese Forces and Free Patriotic Movement supporters in the Jbeil town of Mayfouq, reported the National News Agency.

It said that the clash erupted between the gatherers on the side of the road as FPM leader MP Michel Aoun’s convoy was leaving the town.

Unknown gunmen attacked on midnight on Saturday a church in the southern region of Sidon, reported the National News Agency.

It said that the Mar Youssef church in the town of Bqosta was greatly damaged in the gunfire attack.

Head of the Iqraa organization for social development Sheikh Bilal Diqmaq stated that technical difficulties have thwarted the release of all the Lebanese held in Syria in one go, reported the Kuwaiti al-Anba daily on Sunday.

He told the daily that the kidnappers had informed a European journalist, of Arab origins, that the remainder of the captives “will be released before the Adha holiday.”

Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun declared on Sunday that it is no longer acceptable that the “majority of the people be represented through a parliamentary minority,” reported the National News Agency.

He said of the parliamentary electoral law: “Those demanding the adoption of small electoral districts want to fragment Lebanon because they are only seeking their immediate interests.”