MP and lawyer Boutros Harb stated on Wednesday that he will request lifting his immunity as an MP in order to defend those accused of “defaming” Energy Minister Cesar Abi Khalil with regard to a deal to lease power generating ships.

“I will ask the Speaker to lift my immunity as an MP and I hereby announce as a lawyer that I will offer my pro bono services to defend all those who have been accused by Minister Abi Khalil,” LBCI quoted Harb as saying.

MP Hassan Fadlallah vowed on Thursday that the judiciary will continue on investigating the case of the illegal internet, stressing that this issue will not be victim of a political cover-up.

He said after a meeting of the parliamentary media committee: “This file will not be subject to a cover-up and all low- and high-ranking officials linked to the case will be held accountable.”

The 38th session to elect a president was postponed on Monday following a renewed lack of quorum at parliament.

Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled the new electoral session for May 10.

The 35th session to elect a president was postponed on Monday following a lack of quorum at parliament as officials voiced their ongoing disappointment with some blocs' boycott of the polls.

Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled a new electoral session for March 2.

Telecommunications Minister Butros Harb stated on Wednesday that he will reveal his stance over Monday's Maarab meeting after carrying out the necessary consultations.

He said after holding talks with Kataeb Party chief MP Sami Gemayel: “We reject political extortion over the presidential elections.”

The 34th session to elect a president has been postponed on Thursday due to the lack of quorum at parliament.

Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled a new electoral session for February 8.

Telecommunications Minister Boutros Harb said on Monday that the government should either assume its responsibilities or step down, and highlighted the latest developments that “complicated the election of a president even further.”

“The government must shoulder its responsibilities otherwise it should resign,” said Harb after meeting PM Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail.

Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh is set to hold a series of talks with independent officials, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday.

These figures include Telecommunications Minister Butros Harb.

The presidential elections were postponed for the 29th time on Wednesday after a lack of quorum at parliament.

Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled the next session for October 21.

The so-called Consultative Gathering warned on Monday that the presidential vacuum is threatening the existence of the Lebanese state and entity.

In a statement read by Qazzi, the gathering, which is led by former President Michel Suleiman said: “The election of a head of state is necessary to protect the unity of Lebanon and the Lebanese.”