Head of the Press Federation Mohammad Baalbaki has decided to resign and hand over his duties, citing health reasons, a source in the federation told The Daily Star Monday.

“The federation’s council discussed the issue in its latest meeting and were informed of Baalbaki’s decision, which was his own, and not the result of any external pressure,” the source said.

“The council, however, asked Baalbaki to delay the announcement of his decision until an agreement was reached over the details of what would happen next,” the source added.

“A lot of financial and administrative issues should be finalized and given final clearance before Baalbaki leaves his office.”

About his possible successor, the source said: “There are several candidates being deliberated, but the current favorite is the editor-in-chief of Al-Liwaa daily newspaper, Salah Salam.”