Lebanon marks on Thursday the 74th anniversary of the founding of its military forces.

President Michel Aoun on Wednesday signed a decree calling for parliamentary by-elections in the Tyre district on September 15 to choose a successor for resigned Hizbullah MP Nawwaf al-Moussawi.

The vote for the Shiite seat will be held under the winner-takes-all system and not the proportional representation system, as stipulated by the 2018 electoral law.

Assistant State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Claude Ghanem on Wednesday filed charges against 21 suspects in connection with the deadly Qabrshmoun incident.

Among those charged only four are in custody according to the National News Agency.

President Michel Aoun on Wednesday met with Lebanese Democratic Party chief Talal Arslan and State Minister for Refugee Affairs Saleh al-Gharib in Baabda, in the presence of State Minister for Presidency Affairs Salim Jreissati, Defense Minister Elias Bou Saab and General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim.

Media reports meanwhile said that an agreement has been reached on resuming cabinet sessions.

President Michel Aoun on Wednesday sent a letter to Speaker Nabih Berri in which he asked Parliament to “discuss Article 95 of the Constitution according to norms, especially Clause B.”

Aoun said the move is aimed at “preserving our National Pact, national accord and coexistence.”

World famous Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila has condemned what it called "a deliberate campaign" against it, after the organizers of the Byblos International Festival called off its August 9 performance over “bloodshed” fears.

In a statement, the band said the campaign was built on false accusations and a distortion of their lyrics.

Environment Minister Fadi Jreissati on Wednesday stressed the need to sort garbage at source in order to resolve the waste management crisis, as he blamed the state for a looming crisis as the Jdeideh landfill is nearing full capacity.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed on Wednesday that support for Lebanon’s industry will not stop despite the political differences lingering between its parties.

President Michel Aoun has signed on Wednesday the 2019 state budget following controversy over Article 80 related to state hires of Civil Service Council applicants, the National News Agency said.

Army chief General Joseph Aoun said marking the 74th Army Day on Wednesday that incitement and tense rhetoric won’t be allowed to awaken a sleeping sedition.