Berri says he will not start amendment initiative

Lebanese Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri said he would not consult MPs on changes to Article 49 of the Lebanese Constitution unless the president initiates an amendment, Daily Star reported. Changing the article would make it possible for public employees, such as armed forces commander Emil Lahoud, to run for president and would also make it possible to extend the term of the current president, Elias Hrawi, the report said.