Rival Sides Negotiate Parliament Term Extension Amid Security Issues, Conditions Set by Aoun

Rival parties are holding consultations on the duration of the extension of parliament's mandate at a time when security incidents throughout the country are threatening to spiral out of control and amid conditions set by Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun.

Zahle MP Nicolas Fattoush, who is also a caretaker minister, proposed on Wednesday a draft-law to extend the legislature's term for two years until June 20, 2015.

But deadly gunbattles between rival neighborhoods in the northern city of Tripoli and another security incident in the southern coastal city of Sidon on Wednesday complicated the crisis on the parliamentary elections and the extension saga.

Fattoush has argued that a two-year extension was aimed at avoiding a vacuum, which would be worsened by the deteriorating security situation, saying requests by the March 14 alliance for a duration of only six months were not practical.

The parliament’s term expires on June 20. But the rival parties have so far failed to agree on a new vote law as an alternative to the 1960 law that was used in the 2009 elections.

Aoun, who is part of the Hizbullah-led March 8 alliance, opposes the extension of the legislature's term over fears that it would lead to extending the term of President Michel Suleiman, which ends in May next year, An Nahar daily reported.

It said Aoun has pressured his allies to make pledges not to extend the term of Suleiman and Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji.

The newspaper said that the president informed Speaker Nabih Berri's political aide Ali Hassan Khalil, who is also a caretaker minister, that he rejects a long-term extension.

He reiterated that he backs a short extension that would allow the elections to take place after a deal on a new law.

PM-designate Tammam Salam briefed Suleiman on Thursday on the consultations held between the different parties, said a statement released by the presidential palace.

He also discussed with the president the debate on the electoral law, it said.