Several contacts were held overnight to resolve the Qabrshmoun crisis that crippled the cabinet meetings as sources close to Speaker Nabih Berri said that parties are considering a new initiative that may record a breakthrough, the pan-Arab al-Hayat newspaper said on Friday.

Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid al-Bukhari said on Thursday that around 10,000 visas have been issued for Lebanese nationals to perform the holy Hajj rituals to Mecca this year.

Progressive Socialist Party chief ex-MP Walid Jumblat congratulated the Lebanese military on Army Day as he voiced hopes that “mentalities” of rival “confrontations” are genuinely dropped.

On the occasion of Lebanon’s 74th Army Day, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis today praised the committed professional efforts of the Lebanese Armed Forces in safeguarding the security of Lebanon, its borders and its population, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in extending State authority.

“With utmost patriotism, sacrifices and sometimes limited resources, the Lebanese army has played a tremendous role in keeping Lebanon and its people safe from the threat of terrorism, landmines, instability or other external or internal threats, including at the borders,” Mr. Kubis said.

President Michel Aoun addressed the military on Thursday in a speech marking Army Day saying that efforts won’t be spared to preserve their rights but also stressing the need for “sacrifices” during difficult circumstances.

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.”