BEIRUT — Lebanon's state media say the prime minister has canceled official independence day celebrations. The move likely stems from Lebanon's tense political situation and an impasse in electing the country's next president. Friday's announcement from Prime Minister Tammam Salam's office cited the “current situation” for scrapping all government-hosted celebrations and a parade planned for Saturday. Lebanon has been without a president since May because bickering politicians — embroiled in disagreements related mostly to the war in neighboring Syria — haven't been able to agree on figure acceptable to all. The president is an important symbolic figure in Lebanon selected from the country's Maronite Christian minority. — AP
