Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc MP Nouhad al-Mashnouq condemned on Saturday the recent Syrian arrest warrants against Lebanese figures describing them as a "blatant political assault" on the country.

The MP called on Prime Minister Saad Hariri to resign because the warrants are an attack against the dignity of the prime minister, urging him not to form a new government except based on an understanding on major issues.

Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir was reported to have expressed to Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh his "disgust" with the situation in Lebanon, reported As Safir Saturday.

Addressing Franjieh, the paper quoted Sfeir as saying: "You are more honest than the others … at least you are a man of principle and you don't lie like others."

Minister of State Adnan al-Sayyed Hussein revealed that efforts are underway by President Michel Suleiman, in coordination with other concerned officials, to reach calm in Lebanon, reported the daily An Nahar Saturday.

He told the daily that the officials are keen to maintain the achievements of the Lebanese-Syrian-Saudi summit, adding that they have faith in the army and security forces to exercise their duties under all circumstances.

Semi-official sources revealed to the Kuwaiti al-Anbaa newspaper on Saturday that President Michel Suleiman and the Syrian leadership are conducting daily consultations over various developments.

The sources did not rule out the possibility of holding a Lebanese-Syrian summit in Damascus ahead of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's upcoming visit to Lebanon next week.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs Jeffery Feltman is expected to head to Riyadh and Cairo next week to hold a series of meetings with Saudi and Egyptian officials that will primarily tackle developments in Lebanon, reported As Safir on Saturday.

The talks will also address Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts and attempts to form an Iraqi government.

A Beirut-bound Tunisian plane was diverted to the Damascus International Airport on Friday due to the thunderstorm lashing Lebanon.

However, the flight control tower at the Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport stressed that the rainy weather has not affected other inbound or outbound flights.

Hizbullah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem on Friday called on the March 14 forces to "add to political accusation the accusation of Israel … to at least prove that we're all in Lebanon the enemies of Israel."

Qassem said that political accusation "only needs a podium and a statement," noting that "accusing Israel at least gives a positive sign that they (March 14 forces) want to reach the truth."

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly stressed Friday the United States' commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and independence and the importance of strong and effective institutions.

She said after holding talks with Prime Minister Saad Hariri in the Center House that the United States is worried about any action that may destabilize Lebanon and its sovereignty.

Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Friday said false witnesses in the assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri must be held accountable.

"I know nothing about false witnesses, but any false witness should be held accountable," Sfeir told reporters at Beirut Airport before heading for Rome where he will take part in the Middle East Synod.

Former head of Lebanon's General Security Department Maj. Gen. Jamil Sayyed offered a three-way solution to the false witnesses' issue:

1- To grant the Judicial Council authority over the case.