Berri Warns Country Can't Bear Further Paralysis, Calls Anew for 'Package Deal'

Speaker Nabih Berri has warned that “the country cannot withstand further procrastination, overbidding and obstruction,” reiterating his call for a so-called “package deal” among the rival political parties.

“The solutions that I suggested in the proposed package deal are the appropriate solution for the entire problem that the country is suffering from,” al-Joumhouria newspaper quoted Berri as telling his visitors in remarks published Monday.

Hoping the upcoming national dialogue sessions in August would bring “solutions,” the speaker urged the parties to “make use of time” and try to reach agreements “with all due responsibility.”

“The parliament's term will not be extended under any circumstances,” Berri stressed.

The speaker's proposed package deal involves holding parliamentary elections under a new electoral law before electing a new president and forming a new government. Should the parties fail to agree on a new law, the parliament's current extended term would be curtailed and the elections would be held under the 1960 law which is currently in effect, Berri says.

Berri has several times repeated his rejection of the 1960 law, urging an electoral system based on proportional representation.