Berri lauds National Moderation bloc's presidential initiative

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is open to a presidential initiative by the National Moderation bloc.

"Their initiative is clear - there is no ambiguity,” Berri told al-Joumhouria, in remarks published Tuesday, adding that he has expressed "positivity" towards it.

Berri said he has discussed with the bloc's MPs the smallest details about the initiative.

He expressed willingness to call for an open session with successive rounds, but said that rounds cannot go on indefinitely.

"If MPs fail to agree on a president's name through dialogue, I am ready to call for an electoral session with successive rounds, but if we fail to elect a president in that session, it is my duty to end it, and schedule another one," Berri explained. "Otherwise, keeping the session open would disrupt the legislative role of Parliament, the only constitutional institution still functioning today."