Kataeb Says Parliament Must Have 'Electoral Powers Only,' Rejects Legislative Role

The Kataeb Party on Monday rejected any legislative activity at the parliament amid the presidential vacuum, warning also of the repercussions of not electing a new president.

"The Kataeb Party reiterates its calls for ending the (presidential) vacuum, refusing to give up to failure and becoming aware of the repercussions of not electing a new president,” the party said in a released statement after its political bureau's weekly meeting.

The politburo explained that vacuum threatens Lebanon's democratic system and obstructs the cabinet's work.

It also called for considering the looming end of the parliament's term amid the vacuum, “completely rejecting” any talks about a possible new extension of its mandate.

Former President Michel Suleiman's term ended on May 25 without a successor to take office in the coming six years as differences between the March 8 and the March 14 camps prevented electing a new head of state.

The conferees, meanwhile, said the parliament's legislative power amid the presidential vacuum is a controversial issue on the “constitutional and political levels.”

They stated that the parliament must have electoral powers only in the current situation.

As for dealing with the contentious issue of paying the wages of public employees, the political bureau said this matter should be dealt with based on an authorization by the cabinet or based on public accountancy laws.

In a separate matter, the Kataeb statement denounced the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.

"This is a real assault on Palestinian people who are now under the mercy of the Israeli killing machine, without taking into consideration the international law and its rules which stipulate that civilians must be neutralized and protected,” it said.

It also condemned the “international silence and the inability to take an urgent step to stop” the violence in Gaza.

Also, the politburo expressed its concern over “attacking Christians in Iraq, and forcing them to abandon their faith or their country.”

"Both choices are rejected and this situation calls for international protection for Christians, and for a protection of pluralism in the region in this critical situation.”

S.D.B.

Y.R.