Kataeb: Mustaqbal-Hizbullah Dialogue Will Contribute to Stability

The Kataeb Party voiced on Monday its support for dialogue among the rival political parties, hoping that it will pave the way to the election of a president in Lebanon.

It said in a statement after its weekly politburo meeting: “Direct dialogue between the Mustaqbal Movement and Hizbullah will contribute to stability given the recent painful developments, especially in the North.”

Talks between the two sides will lead to national dialogue that the Kataeb Party had previously called for, continued the statement.

Addressing the Constitutional Council's rejection of the appeal against the extension of parliament's term, the party said that the decision “was not up to the Kataeb's expectations.”

“The party is keen on democracy and stresses the need for the election of a parliament that will complete its national duties of electing a president,” it remarked.

The new parliament should also approve a new electoral law and issue a decree that shortens its term after it was extended to 2017.

The parliament extended its term in November until June 2017 despite the boycott of the Free Patriotic Movement and Kataeb MPs.

Two others voted against the law but 95 lawmakers extended their own terms for the second time, giving them a full eight years in power— double their allowed mandate.

The FPM had submitted an appeal against the extension, but it was rejected by the Constitutional Council last week.

It said that the rejection was aimed at avoiding prolonging vacuum at constitutional institutions.

M.T.

Y.R.