WITH Syria's nearly three decades of military involvement over, Lebanon yesterday announced that the first round of parliamentary elections would be held May 29, two days before the deadline.

With Syria’s nearly three decades of military involvement in Lebanon over, Lebanon today shifted its attention inward, announcing the first round of parliamentary elections would be held May 29, two days before the deadline.

Lebanon’s president has named moderate pro-Syrian lawmaker Najib Mikati as prime minister, breaking a political deadlock and reviving chances for holding parliamentary elections next month.

A military prosecutor has charged 35 Arab nationals and alleged members of an al-Qaida-linked terror group with plotting to bomb foreign targets in Lebanon, including the Italian and Ukrainian diplomatic missions, officials said today.