Berri Remains Mum on Change and Reform Proposal, Says 'Others Should Talk with Aoun'
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Speaker Nabih Berri has refused to comment on a proposal made by Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun's parliamentary bloc to make a constitutional amendment aimed at resolving the presidential deadlock.
But Berri reiterated in remarks published in local dailies on Friday that “we haven't yet crossed the red line.”
“We can still elect a new president and hold the parliamentary elections. We have a deadline that ends on November 16,” he said.
The Change and Reform bloc proposed on Thursday a draft-law that calls for a limited constitutional amendment allowing direct presidential elections.
Baabda Palace has been left vacant since President Michel Suleiman's six-year tenure ended in May. The rival MPs have failed to elect a successor over their differences on a compromise candidate.
The vacancy in the country's top Christian post and the looming parliamentary elections raised fears of more vacuum in top institutions.
Some parliamentary blocs are calling for another extension of the legislature's term, while others, including Berri, are rejecting such a move.
“My priority was and still is the presidency,” said the speaker, adding he was exerting efforts with Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat, who is touring top Lebanese officials, to hold the presidential elections swiftly.
Asked if he had discussed with Aoun about his candidacy for the presidency, Berri said: “I talked to him but others should talk with him as well.”
The FPM chief has not officially announced his candidacy but has said he would run for the presidency if there was consensus on him. The lawmakers of his Change and Reform bloc are among those boycotting the parliamentary sessions aimed at electing a head of state.
The boycott, which has caused a lack of quorum, is a message of rejection of Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea's candidacy.
G.K.
H.K.
22 August 2014, 08:27
15
Postponment do not change the situation, delaying extinguishing the fire makes the situation worse. We will be better of, when we adapt to the idea that Lebanese people have different religions, this should be accepted and respected by all . We will be mature when we stop believing and following individuals seeking political gain through cheap religious rhetorics. It is a government duty ,and not individual political party , to protect and guarantee the safety of all citizens of all religions . Then and only then, we are paving the way for better future for our children.
22 August 2014, 09:09
71
What wouldn't this traitor Aoun do to become president. Someone please tell this lunatic general he will never be president no matter what he does
22 August 2014, 11:27
71
Flame I love your colourful language. You would prefer we set a precedence that every time an obstructionalist demands constitutional change we entertain his warped sense of democracy. Aoun has had six years to put forward this proposal under a functioning system able to facilitate it, yet he pulls it out of his rear at the worst possible time??? Why not elect a president then suggest these changes? We will all agree with them in particular the ex pat vote. But it is his motives that are the concern not the plan.
22 August 2014, 11:53
00
Flamethrower... A friend just alerted me to your post. I am speechless at your ability to unmask them one by one so diligently and with so much finesse. They don't even know what hit them. I love it !!!
22 August 2014, 14:06
10
mr berri must be mummified and put in the entrance of the majless
22 August 2014, 14:11
20
nice pic he looks like a an egyptain saiidi fellah dressed in occidental clothing... besides this ... privately i have been told he has a good sense of humour....
