U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly praised on Tuesday Prime Minister Miqati’s determination to uphold Lebanon’s democratic and constitutional principles.

She also hailed after holding talks with the premier his determination to hold the parliamentary elections on time.

Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji denied on Tuesday that the northeastern town of Arsal was besieged, saying the army had only deployed units in and around it.

“Arsal is not besieged by the army … Its units are deployed in it and around it and mainly on the side of the border with Syria,” Qahwaji told President Michel Suleiman during talks at Baabda palace.

President Michel Suleiman stated on Tuesday that the Lebanese will be among the people who will most miss Pope Benedict XVI in light of his decision to resign.

He saluted his “bold and wise decision”, comparing it to that of former Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir who stepped down in 2011.

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly hoped on Tuesday that the parliamentary elections will he be held on time in June.

He said after holding talks with Prime Minister Najib Miqati: “The holding of free and fair elections on time in accordance with the constitutional requirements is important for democracy and stability in Lebanon.”

Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour received on Tuesday the complete file on the Burgas investigation report ahead of referring it to the Justice Ministry, reported the National News Agency.

Bulgarian Embassy charge d'affaires Plamen Tzolov handed the minister the file, stressing that Bulgaria is “keen on maintaining its strong ties with the Lebanese state, people, and society.”

Authorities have foiled a plot by inmates to escape through a tunnel from Roumieh prison, the state-run National News Agency and other media outlets reported on Tuesday.

But in a statement issued later on Tuesday, the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces said an “incomplete tunnel” was discovered and that a probe was launched to determine if the tunnel was new or old.

State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Saqr Saqr demanded on Tuesday indicting ex-Information Minister Michel Samaha and Syrian security official Ali Mamlouk with plotting to carry out terrorist acts in Lebanon.

Saqr, according to state-run National News Agency, recommended First Military Investigation Judge Riyad Abu Ghida to indict Samaha and Mamlouk with plotting to assassinate Lebanese leaders and of transporting explosives from Syria into Lebanon to carry out attacks in an attempt to provoke sectarian strife at the behest of the Syrian regime.

Military Examining Magistrate Judge Fadi Sawan issued on Tuesday an in absentia arrest warrant for a Hizbullah member charged with the attempted murder of Batroun MP Butros Harb.

The state-run National News Agency said the judge is questioning witnesses in the case.

Several Syrian gasoline trucks have reportedly headed to Damascus after filling their tankers in Lebanon, media reports said on Tuesday, pointing out that two trucks came under fire in the norther city of Tripoli.

The Energy Ministry has meanwhile denied the claims.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Tuesday that his cabinet is committed to hold the parliamentary elections on time.

“Polls will be carried out on June 9 according to the current draft-law,” Miqati told reports at the Grand Serail.