MP Hikmat Dib of the Strong Lebanon bloc on Wednesday criticized a statement issued by the U.S. embassy in Beirut regarding the political spat over the Qabrshmoun incident.

“The U.S. embassy’s interference regarding the Qabrshmoun incident is aimed at protecting a certain side,” Dib said in a phone interview with al-Mayadeen television, apparently referring to the Progressive Socialist Party.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday called on political parties bickering over the Qabrshmoun incident to show “awareness and wisdom,” as he issued a warning over the country’s financial situation.

Speaking to lawmakers during the weekly Ain el-Tineh meeting, Berri said he “will not allow anything that might divide the Lebanese or tear up the country.”

British Ambassador to Lebanon Chris Rampling held talks Wednesday with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri after which he called on all Lebanese parties to “focus on improving the economic situation.”

“We discussed political and economic developments of recent weeks, which concerned us both. Lebanon’s stability is a priority for us and I hope that all will now focus on improving the economic situation,” said Rampling after the meeting.

Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open between 5 August and 5 November 2019, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply, the British embassy in Lebanon said in a statement on Wednesday.

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Lebanon's parliament has filed a libel complaint against Nabil Karam, the owner of a downtown Beirut building sold in a controversial deal to the 'touch' mobile network operator, accusing him of making insulting remarks against lawmakers during a TV appearance, the National News Agency reported on Wednesday.

MP Jamil al-Sayyed had also filed a complaint against Karam for “making insulting remarks against deputies” during the interview on al-Jadeed TV station.

MP Anwar al-Khalil said on Wednesday that a new parliamentary election law proposed by the Development and Liberation bloc makes Lebanon one electoral constituency.

Progressive Socialist Party MP Marwan Hamadeh said on Wednesday that the presidential term of President Michel Aoun “takes Lebanon back to the time of the Syrian hegemony," the Saudi Asharq al-Awsat daily reported on Wednesday.

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Tuesday hit out at Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Imad Othman, drawing a swift response from the ISF director general.

The Free Patriotic Movement-led Strong Lebanon bloc on Tuesday stressed that “press conferences” cannot change facts, in response to a conference held by the Progressive Socialist Party to discuss the judicial developments in the case of the Qabrshmoun incident.

“Press conferences and debates won’t change the facts, which have become in the judiciary’s hands,” MP Ibrahim Kanaan said after the bloc’s weekly meeting.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat on Tuesday vowed that the PSP and its “friends” will persevere against what he called “elimination wars.”

“Egypt will remain steadfast, despite all the terrorism attempts,” Jumblat tweeted.