Acting U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Pernille Dahler Kardel urged Lebanese leaders to form a "national unity government" that would "disarm all armed groups," hoping that the situation would be ready for the “big return” of Syrian refugees in a “safe, voluntary dignified manner” to their country, the Saudi Asharq al-Awsat reported on Wednesday.

The Transportation Drivers Union staged a strike on Wednesday blocking several roads across Lebanon to protest a proposal to privatize the vehicle inspection centers (mecanique), and competition from foreign drivers.

Hundreds of civil society activists, citizens, lawyers, writers, poets, journalists, university students and members of youth organizations staged a “silent” sit-in Tuesday in Beirut to condemn what they called growing “repression” in the country.

The rally, at the Samir Kassir Square, comes after several activists were questioned by security agencies in recent weeks over social media posts deemed insulting to religion or certain politicians.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri announced Tuesday that he will meet soon with President Michel Aoun as an MP of his bloc said he will submit a “new government format” within “two days.”

“I will visit the president soon and I have not announced any deadline for my designation and I'm not compelled to abide by any deadline,” Hariri said.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri said Tuesday that he welcomes international efforts to ensure the return of Syrian refugees to their homes and awaits a roadmap being developed by the Russian ministry of defense on the matter.

In a statement issued by his office, Hariri said he hopes the plan, in coordination with the U.S. administration, the United Nations and other relevant parties, will be a serious effort to resolve the refugee crisis.

An Israeli force on Tuesday staged a new attempt to kidnap a Lebanese shepherd in the border region, state-run National News Agency reported.

“A hostile Israeli infantry force crossed the border line in the al-Radar area in the vicinity of the town of Shebaa, making an incursion of around 40 meters,” NNA said.

A number of young men on Tuesday blocked the al-Sharawneh road in Baalbek with burning tires, rocks and other obstacles, the National News Agency reported.

The men were protesting a deadly army raid that killed a suspected drug trafficking baron and seven other people in a raid on his home in eastern Lebanon.

The UN Security Council expressed hope during a closed session Monday that a new national unity government will be formed in Lebanon, discussing the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate in August, media reports said Tuesday.

As part of his farewell visits with the Lebanese authorities, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Michael Beary, met on Monday in Beirut with President Michel Aoun and other high-ranking officials, a press release said.

Speaker Nabih Berri voiced hopes that a quick solution is reached for the crisis of Syrian refugees, noting that “coordination” between the Lebanese and Syrian governments on the issue serves Lebanon, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Tuesday.