Berri Says Presidential Crisis Solution Should Come from Abroad
Speaker Nabih Berri has reiterated that the solution to Lebanon's presidential deadlock should come through settlements made by major powers following the Iran nuclear deal.
“I am becoming more convinced that the Lebanese solution would be the result of settlements abroad by bridging differences" between different countries, Berri told al-Joumhouria daily published on Friday.
Earlier this week, Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers struck a deal that aims to curb Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in sanctions relief.
On Thursday, the speaker expressed regret that Lebanese officials failed to resolve the presidential crisis without the mediation of countries that have influence on Lebanon.
“We the Lebanese are useless,” he told al-Mustaqbal daily.
“Shahhadeen w Msharteen (We beg by putting conditions),” he said in Arabic.
Baabda Palace has been vacant since President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended in May 2014.
Sharp differences between the March 8 and 14 alliances caused the vacuum, which also led to the paralysis of the parliament and disputes among cabinet members.
Several envoys from countries having influence on Lebanon have failed to strike a deal on the election of a new president.
Asked by al-Joumhouria on his efforts to hold an extraordinary legislative session to approve draft-laws that he deems necessary, Berri expressed surprise at the conditions put by some parties, mainly those who have parliamentary blocs.
“No one can put conditions and paralyze the work of the parliament. The legislature elects a president and indirectly elects the prime minister and gives the government its vote of confidence,” Berri said.
Several parliamentary blocs have warned the speaker that they would boycott any session which does not have on its agenda several draft-laws that they consider important, mainly the one that gives the nationality to Lebanese expatriates.
Parliament has been paralyzed since last November when it met to extend its own term over the failure of the rival lawmakers to agree on an electoral law.
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