Following are summaries of some of the main stories in a selection of Lebanese newspapers Thursday. The Daily Star cannot vouch for the accuracy of these reports.

Al-Akhbar

Drivers suspend strike following overnight meeting with Mikati

The Lebanese went to bed on the news that Thursday would see strike action by the driver's union. That did not materialize. However, had it taken place, it would have disrupted several businesses and closed down schools, which are just opening their doors for the new term.

An overnight meeting that lasted until dawn led to the suspension of the strike.

Ad-Diyar

France disappointed by Rai’s statements as Sleiman visits Diman Thursday

Controversial issues are overwhelming the domestic arena from public appointments to the financing of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) to the high cost of living that Lebanese can no longer bear – particularly given that we are at the doors of a new school year –action by labor unions as well as ongoing uncertainty over the electricity issue and violent disputes.

These issues coincided with reports that indicate tension in relations between Turkey and Iran, which also coincides with a U.S. decision to dispatch envoys David Hill and Dennis Ross to the Middle East this week to revive Israeli-Palestinian talks and avoid Palestinian attempts to gain recognition for their state at the U.N.

Meanwhile, French Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton said his government was “disappointed” by remarks made by Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai during a recent visit to Paris, in which he expressed fears “about a transitional period in Syria that might constitute a threat to the Christians of the Levant.”

In a statement issued by the French Embassy, Pietton said that he would soon visit Rai as ordered by his government to seek a clarification from the Maronite patriarch.

Al-Mustaqbal

French ambassador to visit Patriarch seeking clarification on statements

Geagea pleased with Rai clarifications: a passing cloud

The new internal development Wednesday was an ordinary Cabinet meeting at the Grand Serail in parallel with what appeared to be shuttling by Prime Minister Najib Mikati between the presidential palace in Baabda and Parliament in Downtown Beirut.

The shuttle diplomacy aims to heal the wounds of the government caused by the “electricity crisis,” which will be discussed by the joint parliamentary committees. The dispute within Cabinet will also likely deepen over the issue of funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon once it is put on the table as ministers are split between those who support financing the court and those who object to it.

Meanwhile, the March 14 coalition rejected the “procrastination” in the payment of Lebanon’s share of the funding. Also, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea warned that any position that may indicate Lebanon is evading its international obligations would have “very negative repercussions” on Lebanon.

This comes at a time when Rai remains at the center of a nationwide controversy over his comments on Syria and Hezbollah’s weapons and a significant statement from the French ambassador who said he would  visit Rai soon in order to seek clarifications on his remarks .

However, Geagea expressed “satisfaction” with Rai’s clarifications, describing the controversy as a “passing cloud of ambiguity.”

As-Safir

Pietton: Disappointed with Rai!

Overnight meeting: drivers’ strike suspended

Prime Minister Najib Mikati has succeeded once again in dismantling a landmine that has obstructed his government after an agreement was reached during a midnight meeting with representatives of the transport workers to suspend the drivers’ union strike [scheduled for Thursday].

Mikati told As-Safir that the meeting was positive and that a spirit of cooperation had prevailed throughout the talks.

In the meantime, reactions to Rai’s statements continued with the most significant stance coming from the French ambassador to Lebanon, who said his government was disappointed with remarks made by Rai in Paris.

President Michel Sleiman will visit Rai in Diman Thursday as part of an annual tradition before the Patriarch returns to Bkirki, seat of the Maronite Church.

The two are expected to hold private talks that will focus on Rai’s visit to Paris and the outcome of his talks with French officials.

A source close to the president told As-Safir that Sleiman and Rai are likely to make statements dealing with the ongoing controversy over Rai’s remarks.

Mikati will also visit Rai in Diman Friday.