Daryan Meets al-Rahi: All MPs Must Take Part in Presidential Elections Sessions at Parliament

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan stressed on Thursday the need to elect a new president following last week's extension of parliament's term.

He said: “All lawmakers must take part in presidential elections sessions held at parliament.”

He made his remarks after holding talks at Bkirki with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

“MPs must participate in the elections in order to prevent Lebanon from being exposed on all levels,” noted Daryan.

“All sides must reach an agreement in order to save Lebanon from crises,” he stated.

“Lebanon belongs to all the Lebanese people and this nation deserves for us to elect a president in order for life to return to state institutions,” said the Mufti.

“The patriarch and I are keen on Lebanon and it is our duty to make the call for officials to elect a president,” he continued.

“All sides must launch dialogue to help end the crisis and avoid further dangers,” he stressed.

Last week, 95 out of 128 lawmakers voted to extend their term in office for a second time.

Parliament's new term will end in 2017.

Lebanon has been without a president since May when the term of Michel Suleiman ended.

A dispute between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate has thwarted the election of a president.

M.T.