MP Wehbe Katicha of the Strong Republic parliamentary bloc denied accusations that the Lebanese Forces is hampering the formation of the Cabinet, as he reversed the blame on parties he said were “monopolizing" power in the country, Saudi Asharq al-Awsat reported on Monday.

President Michel Aoun on Saturday held talks with Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil at the Baabda Palace where talks focused on the financial and economic situation and the preparations for the upcoming 2019 State budget, the National News Agency reported.

Police arrested a drug dealer who concealed salvia, cocaine and cannabis inside small bags of nuts and sold them in Beirut’s Downtown area, the Internal Security Forces said in a statement on Saturday.

As negotiations continue to form the country’s new government, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and President Michel Aoun have reportedly “agreed on having six Sunni ministers, one of them of Aoun’s share, while a Christian minister would be named of Hariri’s share,” LBCI channel reported on Saturday.

March 8 alliance sources told LBCI that “AMAL Movement insists on allocating the finance portfolio to a minister of its backing, while Hizbullah wants to get the health ministry. The Marada Movement will not be given any of the portfolio they asked to allocate.”

Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated concerns on Saturday over the security situation in the eastern Bekaa region, saying it “must not be left under the mercy of hooligans while its people keep on suffering,” al-Joumhouria daily reported.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stressed Friday that “the sustainable and only solution” for Syrian refugees in Lebanon is their “safe” return to their country.

“The sustainable and only solution for Syrian refugees is their return to Syria in safety and dignity,” Hariri said at a joint press conference in Beirut with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Thursday denied that he is delaying the formation of the new government, revealing that he might submit a draft line-up to President Michel Aoun on Friday.

“I'm not neglecting the formation process but I have the right to have a vacation and I traveled to see my family. We have now 'pressed the turbo button' in order to form a government as soon as possible,” Hariri told reporters when asked about remarks by Speaker Nabih Berri.

Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday urged President Michel Aoun to put the efforts needed in order to impose the State’s control in the cumbersome northern region of Bekaa, criticising years of “idleness” and attempts to “distort” its image.

“Our people in Bekaa need a State to carry its identity,” said Berri in a statement.

The Lebanese Forces on Wednesday filed an appeal before the State Shura Council protesting a controversial citizenship decree granting Lebanese nationality to foreigners.

President Michel Aoun on Wednesday held talks with Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh at the Presidential Palace in Baabda who affimed that Lebanon is enjoying monetary stability, the State-run National News Agency reported.

"The Lebanese pound is stable, and Lebanon remains immune to crises," Salameh said.