Liberty shouldn't lead to insults says President Hrawi

President Elias Hrawi declared, during a ceremony at Kaslik University yesterday, that liberty shouldn't lead to insults.

He warned that the failure to agree on the government's proposal for partial appointments in the local elections next year might endanger the sectarian balance in the country. Hrawi asked:" How can we achieve parity and uphold national accord, especially in the big city?" He added that, "Every day, I hear voices calling for freedom and equality. And when we make a proposal with that in mind, it is decried as heresy."

For his part, Interior Minister Michel Murr said he wishes that deputies wouldn't discuss the appointment principle in the local elections before it is discussed by the cabinet again.

His statement came during the meeting of the administration and justice parliamentary committee, yesterday. Also during the meeting, the majority of MPs turned out to be in favor of the appointment principle, although with some restrictions or conditions, while six were completely against.

The committee will meet again, next Tuesday, to study 28 other proposals concerning technical aspects of the elections.