Gemayel Considers Parliamentary Extension 'Flagrant' Violation of Constitution

Kataeb Party leader Amin Gemayel stressed on Wednesday that the extension of the parliament's tenure is a “flagrant violation” of all democratic principles, expressing regret that it was the result of political and constitutional heresy.

“Lebanon is passing through a dangerous political stage distinguished by the loss of balance as if the country is lacking logic,” Gemayel said in comments published in the Kuwaiti newspaper al-Siyassah.

He described the extension of the parliament's mandate as a “dangerous scheme that violates the constitution and the country's higher interest.”

Gemayel criticized those who are deluding the public into thinking that the presidential elections will be staged soon, saying that lawmakers are trying to coverup for their act.

“We still have a long way to go before carrying out the presidential elections.”

Parliament extended its term last week despite the boycott of several lawmakers, including Kataeb MPs. The extension was published in the official gazette on Tuesday.

The lawmakers, who voted in favor of the draft-law, claim they need to extend their own term in office because the security situation is too dire to allow holding elections amid Syria's civil war.

They also say extending parliament's mandate will prevent another power vacuum from forming in a country already divided along sectarian and regional lines.

Asked about the Iranian grant for the Lebanese army, Gemayel said that the Lebanese state “is ready to cooperate with all sides when the cooperation serves the interests of Lebanon.”

“The international law is impeding the Iranian grant due to the sanctions imposed on Tehran.”

Iran's offer of support follows aid packages for the Lebanese army from both its regional rival Saudi Arabia and the United States.

It comes as the Lebanese army is cracking down on gunmen in the northern coastal city of Tripoli after deadly gunbattles, and in light of battles with jihadists from al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group, who are entrenched on the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal on the porous Syrian-Lebanese border.

H.K.

G.K.