REPORT: Sleiman signs laws referred to presidency, except new rent...

3^min

President Michel Sleiman signed on Wednesday several laws referred to the presidency by parliament, save for a controversial bill related to new rent, noting that “any law that does not guarantee social justice will be considered unfair and detrimental to the Lebanese community.”

The president's signature is a necessary procedure for the law to go into effect, however the new rent law will be considered operative and will be automatically published if the deadline of its discussion expires, in accordance with article 56 of the Constitution.

Article 56 stipulates that the president has the right to ask the Council of Ministers to reconsider any decision taken by the Chamber within fifteen days as of its registration with the Presidency. If the Council of Ministers insists on the adopted decision or if the time limit expires without the decree being issued or returned, the decision or decree shall be considered automatically operative and consequently published in the Official Gazette.

Old tenants have been objecting the passing of the new rent law by holding several protests denouncing the new measures, which they say will leave them homeless. Home owners on the other hand have been pushing for the law's ratification, citing the move as a rightful demand for their part.

Parliament had passed a number of draft bills throughout the year including a bill related to domestic violence and one that covers the rights of Civil Defense volunteers. The laws that have now been inked by the president are due to come into effect as soon as they are published in the Official Gazette.

On another note, President Sleiman received at the Baabda Presidential Palace, Prime Minister Tammam Salam and discussed with him the latest developments and the agenda of the cabinet session, which is set to convene on Friday afternoon.

Separately, Sleiman met with Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, who “praised the president’s efforts to appoint governors and complete the administrative body.”

In turn, the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi briefed the president on the security situation in both Tripoli and the Bakaa.

To watch Bassam Abou Zeid's report, please click on the VIDEO above