Speaker Considers Presidential Elections 'Complicated'

Speaker Nabih Berri described on Friday the controversial presidential elections as “complicated,” calling on the political arch-foes to agree on a consensual candidate.

“The presidential poll is complex as it involves two elements, the first is the local obstacles and the second is linked to the U.S.-Iranian and Iranian-Saudi dialogues,” Berri's visitors quoted him as saying.

He stressed that the rival parties could unite and elect a new head of state, a day after the parliament failed anew to elect a successor to former President Michel Suleiman.

“I called for another session on October 29 before the end of the parliament's tenure on November 20,” Berri said.

Suleiman's six-year term ended on May 25. But the rival MPs have so far failed to elect a new head of state over their differences on candidates.

More than a dozen rounds of parliamentary sessions were not held due to lack of quorum caused by the boycott of several blocs.

Concerning the salary hike for public employees that was recently referred again to the joint parliamentary committees for further studies, Berri reiterated that the new wage scale will not be endorsed without determining the rights of the army corps.

“I am seeking to enhance the conditions of the army personnel and their salaries to encourage more to volunteer in the institution,” Berri told his visitors.

“I agree on all the conditions set by the army... This is what concerns me at this stage,” the Speaker stressed.

Parliament failed to discuss earlier this month the wage hike draft-law after Berri sent back the bill to the joint parliamentary committees for discussion over differences on the raise.

Defense Minister Samir Moqbel said later that he would propose a bill to the government on a separate wage hike for the army.

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