National Struggle Front parliamentary bloc wondered if the cabinet will commit to its ministerial statement concerning the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, stressing that the government has to safeguard the country and avoid any negative repercussions amid the developments in the region.

Sources told the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat on Wednesday that ministers loyal to National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblat stress that the cabinet is obliged to fund the tribunal; especially that President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Miqati continuously voiced their commitment to the STL.

Premier Najib Miqati promised President of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Judge Sir David Baragwanath, on Wednesday to resolve the crisis on the funding of the STL.

Miqati met with Baragwanath at the Grand Serail, reiterating Lebanon’s respect for international resolutions, including 1757. He hoped that the STL would steer clear of politics, a statement issued by the prime minister’s office said.

Lebanon commemorated on Tuesday its 68th independence anniversary in downtown Beirut, marking the liberation from the French Mandate which was exercised over Lebanese soil for over 23 years.

President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister Najib Miqati, and Speaker Nabih Berri headed the officials that joined the celebrations marking the country’s independence.

President Michel Suleiman on Monday called for “adhering to international legitimacy” and honoring Lebanon’s commitments towards the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

In a televised address to the nation on the 68th anniversary of Lebanon’s independence, Suleiman said “there is a duty to adhere to international legitimacy, including to the STL, for the sake of justice rather than out of fear of sanctions.”

Premier Najib Miqati is facing decisive 9 days during which he has to work hard to urge the cabinet into approving the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Miqati’s visitors quoted the prime minister as saying over the weekend that the cabinet should take the decision on the funding. “The time that we tried to gain is over.”

Preparations are underway in Rashaya al-Wadi and nearby towns to welcome President Michel Suleiman who is scheduled to address the nation on the eve of Lebanon’s 68th independence anniversary from the citadel of Rashaya.

Lebanese flags and banners welcoming Suleiman were hoisted at the entrances of the towns and balconies of houses.

The U.N. Security Council and the European Union will take “measures” against Lebanon if Lebanon doesn’t fund the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, sources close to French decision-makers warned.

The sources told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat in remarks published Sunday that Lebanon’s rejection to pay its 49 percent share would lead to a “troubling situation that would force the international community to take measures … at the level of the Security Council and the EU.”

President Michel Suleiman discussed on Saturday with Brazilian Vice President Michel Temer the importance of developing the bilateral relations between the two countries, asking assistance to pressure Israel to implement U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.

Suleiman stressed during a meeting with Temer at Baabda Palace on the importance of reforming the United Nations and the World Trade Organizations.

President Michel Suleiman and Speaker Nabih Berri’s calls to resume the national dialogue have remained unanswered given the division between the government forces and opposition over the purpose of holding the talks, reported the daily An Nahar on Saturday.

It said that the two officials were expected to hold talks after the last week’s al-Adha holiday in order to discuss resuming the dialogue, but the meeting did not transpire.

President Michel Suleiman on Thursday called for “creating a safety net, spearheaded by the army, that would protect Lebanon’s south, coast, sea and mountains.”

In a speech at the opening of the CNAM educational institute in Nahr Ibrahim, Suleiman said “only a permanent interaction with other cultures would lead to tolerance.”