Saniora Meets Berri: Parliament May Convene Friday, We'll Reach Agreement that Appeases All Sides

Head of the Mustaqbal bloc MP Fouad Saniora hoped on Tuesday that political powers would succeed in reaching an agreement over pending disputes linked to the parliamentary elections, including the possible extension of parliament's mandate.

He said after holding talks with Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain el-Tineh: “We have the upcoming hours to reach an agreement over a proposal that enjoys the support of the majority of the factions.”

“A large segment of the people oppose the 1960 electoral law, but we have not reached an alternative to it, especially since the Orthodox Gathering draft law is inapplicable and violates main principles Lebanon is built upon,” added the former premier.

He told reporters after the meeting that parliament will likely convene on Friday.

Discussions with Berri also addressed the various security incidents that have taken place in Lebanon over the past two weeks.

Saniora stressed the importance of moderation in Lebanon and Muslim unity that will produce Lebanese unity.

“We must exert all possible efforts in Lebanon and on the external scene in order to preserve this unity and avert strife that some sides are yearning for,” he remarked.

Political powers have failed to reach an agreement over a parliamentary electoral law, which is threatening to postpone the polls and extend the term of the current parliament.

Its mandate ends on May 31.