Jumblat Backs Deal on Parliament Extension-Presidential Election

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat has said that he would back the extension of parliament's term if it was conditioned with the election of a president.

There could be a technical extension for a few months, if the rival parties agreed to hold the presidential elections, Jumblat told As Safir newspaper in remarks published on Wednesday.

Zahle MP Nicolas Fattoush proposed on Tuesday a draft-law for the extension by more than two years, citing security reasons.

Last year, the parliament extended its mandate to November 2014 for the same reasons.

But this year, the crisis widened after Baabda Palace was vacated over the failure to elect a president.

There are fears that the failure to hold the parliamentary elections would lead to a bigger vacuum.

Asked about a $3 billion Saudi military grant, Jumblat said: “It is about time to release the grant because the Lebanese army and security forces are in dire need for it.”

Reports have said that Saudi red tape has delayed the army's purchase of French weapons under the $3 billion deal announced last December.

The urgent need to provide the army and security forces with the assistance rose after jihadists entered the northeastern border town of Arsal and engaged in deadly battles with the army.

The militants pulled back to Syrian territories but took with them around 35 hostages from the army and the Internal Security Forces.

G.K.

H.K.