15 day extension granted for sub-parliamentary committee

Following the joint parliamentary committee's meeting, MP Robert Ghanem held a press conference whereby he announced that an extension of 15 days will be granted to the sub-parliamentary committee to discuss the hybrid law which is on the basis of the majoritarian system and the law of proportionality.      

"We hope that we can reach a law which satisfies all parties," MP Ghanem said.                         

In the meantime, the joint committee will review the Orthodox Gathering law, MP Ghanem added.                       

For his part, Kataeb party MP Sami Gemayel said that they want to grant the chance for a law that will satisfy all parties and added that the main points of contention revolve around the March8/14 conundrum and Christian/Muslim representation.                    

"The only way towards true partnership is a hybrid system based on smaller districts," MP Gemayel said.           

As for the Change and Reform Bloc MP Alain Aoun, he said that they agreed on the extension period of 15 days for further discussions to "maintain a positive atmosphere".                                                  

Aoun added that his bloc's main concern is whether a law would provide fair representation for all as well as "bring back the rights of the Christians".                    

"We are not for further extending the period of discussions pertaining to sub-parliamentary committee by the end of the 15 days," Aoun added.        

Meanwhile, LF MP Georges Adwan said that discussions will not reach a deadlock among Lebanese parties and stressed that they will search for common points regarding the electoral law.                               

Adwan mentioned that the joint committee will be reviewing and scrutinizing the Orthodox gathering electoral draft while the parliamentary sub-committee discusses the hybrid law.                     

"Either we find a better substitute for the Orthodox gathering electoral draft or head towards the General Authority to vote for it," Adwan said.          

The meeting was attended by the Committee of Administration and Justice, the Committee of Defense and Interior, and the Committee of Finance and Budget and by 41 deputies and ministers including Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi, and Interior Minister Marwan Charbel.            

It is worth noting that the Future Bloc MPs abstained from attending the committee's meeting since ministers from the cabinet are attending it.


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