Lebanese Cabinet propose amending constitution for presidential election

The Lebanese Cabinet on Thursday held an extraordinary session, chaired by President Elias Hrawi and attended by Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the Cabinet ministers.

The Cabinet endorsed a decision to amend item three of article 49 of the Lebanese constitution, to take the first step toward electing a new Lebanese president.

The participants in the session agreed to open a special session of the Lebanese parliament dedicated to amending the article and elect a new president for the Lebanese Republic before October 20.

The Cabinet submitted to the Parliament the draft constitution law, which provides for adding a fourth item to article 49 of the Lebanese constitution, so as to enable high-ranking state employees and judges to nominate themselves for the presidency.

Specialized committees at the Lebanese parliament will meet on Monday to study the draft law and then submit it to the parliament for ratification.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri on Thursday discussed with the British ambassador to Lebanon the Turkish military escalation against Syria and developments in the Middle East peace process.

Following the meeting, the British ambassador said that he discussed with Hariri the new developments in the region in light of the Turkish threats against Syria. He added that the British government is making contacts with all sides concerned in the crisis to alleviate tensions.

The British ambassador reiterated his country's support for the mediation carried out by President Mubarak between Syria and Turkey.