President Michel Suleiman's repeated denials that he is seeking the extension of his term does not mean that this possibility has been taken off the table, diplomatic sources told the Kuwaiti daily al-Anba on Sunday.

They said that his term, which ends in 2014, may indeed be extended until the Syrian crisis is resolved.

Foreign powers are reasoning that Suleiman's term should inevitably be extended given the extension of the term of the Lebanese parliament and the tenure of official security agencies chiefs.

Moreover, they explained that it is best to keep “old figures instead of introducing new ones” until the crisis in Syria is resolved.

Foreign powers have not yet taken action to ensure the extension of the president's term however, added the diplomatic sources. [Link]