In light of Lebanon's preparations for its long-awaited parliamentary elections, Speaker Nabih Berri said he is “looking forward for high voter turnout,” urging the Lebanese to “practice their national duty” and cast their votes, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Wednesday.

“We are looking forward for massive election turnout. It is the national duty of each citizen,” Berri told the daily in an interview.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince received an effusive welcome at the White House Tuesday from U.S. President Donald Trump, who hailed a "great friendship" with the kingdom -- but made no public mention of the sticking points in the burgeoning alliance.

In front of the cameras, it was all back-slapping, handshakes, smiles and warm words between Trump and the heir to the Saudi throne, Mohammed bin Salman, who was seeking to burnish his leadership credentials.

Justice Minister Salim Jreissati on Tuesday dubbed reports accusing President Michel Aoun of interfering in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections as false.

Jreissati described as “dishonest” those who said Aoun was meddling in the polls.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri said Tuesday there is a serious intention on the part of the international community to help Lebanon, pointing out to “projects worth 3-4 billion dollars that can be implemented in partnership between the public and private sectors,” he said.

In a speech he delivered at a Business and Financial Economic Forum, Hariri said: “We are heading to the Cedre Conference in Paris with an integrated vision of stability and growth, and to project our vision for the investment program.”

Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airline (MEA) announced that it will be resuming flights to Iraq's Kurdish regional capital Arbil starting April the 3rd, the National News Agency said on Tuesday.

MEA said that four flights per week are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, NNA added.

The government is expected to convene on Wednesday in a session described as “fateful”, amid a disposition to put to vote the “highly controversial” file of renting power generating barges, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Tuesday.

In light of Lebanon's dispute with Israel over Block 9 oilfield, Speaker Nabih Berri said his “insistence to adhere” to a gas field to the South of the country is meant to tell Israel that Lebanon's rights will not be wavered, stressing that “Israel is the only enemy.”

President Michel Aoun held talks on Monday with Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq who assured that 70 percent of the preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections are now complete.

Education Minister Marwan Hamadeh on Monday said the parliamentary elections in Lebanon remain at risk shall major developments in the region take place, noting that political dispute over the electricity file could bring everything to a halt including the upcoming polls.

“The parliamentary elections remain threatened by any major development in the region, but the scenario of a “great war” is ruled out. What is happening in Syria in Afrin and in al-Ghouta is more indicative of deals than wars,” Hamadeh told VDL (93.3) in an interview.

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat urged the energy ministry on Monday to implement “confinement” against Debbas Group, an Electricite Du Liban contractor, after failing to pay the salaries of its employees for over three months.

“Amidst the indifference of EDL officials and of Debbas Group, the staff have arrived at a state of hunger due to unpaid salaries for three months. I call on the Ministry of Energy to put the company in confinement,” said Jumblat in a tweet.