The Kataeb Party on Monday slammed what it called “political blackmail” and attempts to “impose” a sole presidential candidate on the country.

Industry Minister Hussein al-Hajj Hassan has stressed that Hizbullah “is not only defending itself and its supporters” in its participation in Syria's conflict but rather “all Lebanese and their creeds and existence.”

Speaker Nabih Berri replied on Monday to Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, who has earlier criticized his “package deal” on the presidency, and said that his suggestion is “more constitutional than any other.”

Hizbullah began on Sunday holding daily mourning councils on the occasion of Ashura, the National News Agency reported on Monday.

The party prepared processions tents in the southern cities and towns, NNA added.

AMAL MP Hani Qobeissi stressed on Monday that the table of dialogue is essential for Lebanese politicians to gather and discuss the country’s problems, just like the Taef Accord was to end Lebanon’s civil war, the National News Agency reported on Monday.

MP Michel Aoun is reassured by al-Mustaqbal Movement chief ex-PM Saad Hariri's willingness to discuss all the options at hand to give momentum to the presidential file, which the MP interpreted as a tacit approval of supporting him for the post, the Kuwaiti As-Seyasah daily reported on Monday.

Although Hariri has not openly disclosed support for Aoun, but founder of the Free Patriotic Movement Aoun is reassured that Hariri is willing to take into consideration all the options available to end the over two-year vacuum at the post, according to information obtained by the daily.

A decision to hold a cabinet meeting this week has not been determined yet, pending consultations between the political parties, the VDL (100.5) quoted sources at the Grand Serail on Monday.

The sources' comments came after media reports alleged that PM Tammam Salam has called for a meeting on Thursday.

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil lamented Sunday that some parties are awaiting “foreign” instructions related to the country's internal affairs, while stressing that the FPM is extending its hand to all political forces.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan called Sunday for backing the efforts of ex-PM Saad Hariri that are aimed at speeding up the election of a new president, while warning against staging any street protests during this period.

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday blasted calls for a so-called “package deal” that precedes the election of a president, noting that any candidate who accepts it has no “dignity.”