Hariri Discusses Elections' File with Berri and Geagea

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri discussed separately with Speaker Nabih Berri and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, the latest developments on the controversial electoral draft-law issue, Hariri's media office said in a statement Friday.

In a phone call, Hariri and Berri tackled the latest developments in that regard and the efforts exerted to reach common ground between conflicting parliamentary blocs on an electoral law that meets approval of all, the statement added.

Discussions also touched on the thorny issue of extending the terms of military and security leaderships to avoid any vacancy in light of the jittery security situation lingering lately in Lebanon.

Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi tenure ends in April 1, amid conflicting opinions over extending his term.

In that regard, contacts between Hariri, Former Prime Minister Fouad Saniora and leaders of the March 14 alliance carry on to tackle the issue.

An agreement is needed between the March 8 majority coalition and the March 14 opposition over the extension proposal of military and security leaderships, as it requires the cabinet to refer a bill to parliament for approval or an urgent draft-law proposed by at least 10 lawmakers to adopt it by an absolute majority.

According to the proposal, the age of retirement for Qahwaji will increase to 63 years, while officers with Maj. General rank would be referred to retirement on the age of 62.

In another phone call, Hariri discussed with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea the latest political developments and deliberations regarding the electoral draft-law.

Geagea had previously contacted Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi in that regard.