Residents of southern Lebanon are brimming with excitement ahead of a visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is expected to tour the border area with his arch-enemy Israel in a message of defiance.

"I can't wait to see Ahmadinejad get close to the barbed wire and show the Israelis that he has them by the throat," said Abdullah, of the border village of Kfar Kila, who refused to give his real name.

MP Oqab Saqr stressed on Thursday that the March 14 forces is not responsible for the false witnesses, adding that those behind them should be punished.

"We have something to say in this matter … and we possess information that we will present to the judiciary and the public that would serve to eliminate 90 percent of the rumors over the false witnesses," he told New TV.

Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar revealed on Thursday that his report on the false witnesses case in the investigation in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri has been ready for some time, but it needs updating.

He told Future News that the updates are a result of new developments that have taken place in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon during the past month, adding that President Michel Suleiman had requested the update.

Change and Reform MP Nabil Nicola on Thursday said Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea was released from prison "thanks to" FMP chief Michel Aoun and his MPs.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit denied Cairo was arming Lebanese Sunni groups.

He also denied Egypt was training or financing these groups.

Mustaqbal bloc MP Ammar Houri stated on Thursday that the AMAL ministers' withdrawal from Cabinet on Wednesday would not have an effect on the situation in government.

He told Voice of Lebanon radio that any talk of a governmental change during this current phase would lead the country to the unknown and cause more concern.

The majority March 14 coalition stressed on Wednesday that the Lebanese were fed up with "daily Hizbullah threats and militia-style practices."

It said after the weekly meeting of its general-secretariat that the practices "will not intimidate the Lebanese or dissuade them from committing to the accomplishments of the independence intifada and its gains."

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea criticized on Wednesday Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun, saying: "I did not expect you to reach such a low level and for you to call on your allies to militarily attack your Christian opponents."

"I did not expect you to make up so many lies … Tell me General, do the LF or your allies posses weapons? Are the LF or you calling on the people to civil disobedience against the legitimate legal and security authorities?" he said.

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri stressed on Tuesday that a solution to the crisis in Lebanon lies on the country's internal scene, adding that the Kingdom is keen on ensuring Lebanon's stability.

He made his statements after meeting with House Speaker Nabih Berri.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said the "unjustified sluggish" dealing with the false witnesses issue has led Syria to issue arrest warrants against 33 people, including Lebanese and Arabs, over the 2005 probe into ex-PM Rafik Hariri's assassination.

He said Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar was tasked Aug.1 8 to study the false witnesses case and present a report on an appropriate mechanism to follow up on this issue.