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The Daily News, Lebanon
June 30 2005
Speaker's re-appointment draws waves of congratulations
By Karine Raad
Daily Star staff
Thursday, June 30, 2005
BEIRUT: The re-election of Nabih Berri to serve a record fourth term
as parliamentary speaker by the newly formed anti-Syrian Parliament
generated a wave of congratulatory reactions by several supporting
forces. However, one unsuccessful candidate in the parliamentary
elections, Ahmad Karami, criticized Berri's re-election, stressing
that the anti-Syria Parliament eventually elected a pro-Syria
speaker.
"The first treat was given to Speaker Nabih Berri, and the second
will be the release of the Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea from
prison in July," he said.
The Karamis strongly oppose the release of Geagea, who was accused of
assassinating former Prime Minister Rashid Karami, brother of former
Prime Minister Omar Karami, in 1987.
Meanwhile, Hasbaya-Marjayoun MP Anwar Khalil praised Berri's speech
during Tuesday's session after the speaker pledged to introduce
national and comprehensive reforms.
Khalil said Berri's vows are a turning point in Parliament's work
because they aim to promote public life and national participation,
in addition to implementing the principle of accountability.
"The concept of reform preached by Berri is a natural development of
his national stands and a promise to restructure the state on
national grounds based on the Constitution and the National Consensus
Pact known as the Taif Accord," the MP added.
Khalil applauded Berri's honesty, stressing that the parliamentary
elections incarnated the full partnership between public opinion and
the current Parliament.
"The Resistance, Liberation and Development Bloc will seek to
preserve this partnership not just in South Lebanon but across
Lebanon," Khalil said.
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Despite being the sole candidate for the post, Berri won 90 votes out
of 128.
The speaker received 36 blank ballots, one MP voted for MP Bassem
Sabaa, a member of key opposition leader Walid Jumblatt's
parliamentary bloc, whereas former Deputy Speaker Michel Murr left
Parliament before voting started.
On the occasion, the Ramgavar president Hagop Kassardjian urged
Parliament officials to grant the Armenian confession its rights to
access the Cabinet and chair a parliamentary committee just like
other confessions in the country.
Kassardjian congratulated Berri on his victory, pledging to cooperate
with the speaker through the Hariri-backed Future Bloc "to identify
the instigators, planners, perpetrators and accomplices in the
assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and MP Bassel
Fleihan and in the assassination attempt against MP Marwan Hamade."
Festivities marking Berri's re-election continued on Wednesday.
In Baalbek, the Amal movement's representative in the Bekaa, Mohammad
Jibawi, said this victory will be used to continue the work of the
resistance in a bid to free the land and consolidate national unity
and reconciliation.
In Hermel, mukhtars cabled Berri to congratulate him while convoys of
the Amal movement patrolled the streets honking out of joy.
Speaking from Nabatieh, MP Ali Bazzi described Berri as the "security
valve of the country," stressing that the speaker's speech will be
the Parliament's program in the coming phase.
He highlighted the importance of promoting national unity, calling
for transcending bickering and striving to serve the country's
interests.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
June 30 2005
Speaker's re-appointment draws waves of congratulations
By Karine Raad
Daily Star staff
Thursday, June 30, 2005
BEIRUT: The re-election of Nabih Berri to serve a record fourth term
as parliamentary speaker by the newly formed anti-Syrian Parliament
generated a wave of congratulatory reactions by several supporting
forces. However, one unsuccessful candidate in the parliamentary
elections, Ahmad Karami, criticized Berri's re-election, stressing
that the anti-Syria Parliament eventually elected a pro-Syria
speaker.
"The first treat was given to Speaker Nabih Berri, and the second
will be the release of the Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea from
prison in July," he said.
The Karamis strongly oppose the release of Geagea, who was accused of
assassinating former Prime Minister Rashid Karami, brother of former
Prime Minister Omar Karami, in 1987.
Meanwhile, Hasbaya-Marjayoun MP Anwar Khalil praised Berri's speech
during Tuesday's session after the speaker pledged to introduce
national and comprehensive reforms.
Khalil said Berri's vows are a turning point in Parliament's work
because they aim to promote public life and national participation,
in addition to implementing the principle of accountability.
"The concept of reform preached by Berri is a natural development of
his national stands and a promise to restructure the state on
national grounds based on the Constitution and the National Consensus
Pact known as the Taif Accord," the MP added.
Khalil applauded Berri's honesty, stressing that the parliamentary
elections incarnated the full partnership between public opinion and
the current Parliament.
"The Resistance, Liberation and Development Bloc will seek to
preserve this partnership not just in South Lebanon but across
Lebanon," Khalil said.
SUPPORT FREE PRESS IN LEBANON
~A~ Lebanon has been through difficult times and circumstances
~A~ Free Online Services
~A~ Independent views
~A~ Comprehensive unique coverage
Despite being the sole candidate for the post, Berri won 90 votes out
of 128.
The speaker received 36 blank ballots, one MP voted for MP Bassem
Sabaa, a member of key opposition leader Walid Jumblatt's
parliamentary bloc, whereas former Deputy Speaker Michel Murr left
Parliament before voting started.
On the occasion, the Ramgavar president Hagop Kassardjian urged
Parliament officials to grant the Armenian confession its rights to
access the Cabinet and chair a parliamentary committee just like
other confessions in the country.
Kassardjian congratulated Berri on his victory, pledging to cooperate
with the speaker through the Hariri-backed Future Bloc "to identify
the instigators, planners, perpetrators and accomplices in the
assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and MP Bassel
Fleihan and in the assassination attempt against MP Marwan Hamade."
Festivities marking Berri's re-election continued on Wednesday.
In Baalbek, the Amal movement's representative in the Bekaa, Mohammad
Jibawi, said this victory will be used to continue the work of the
resistance in a bid to free the land and consolidate national unity
and reconciliation.
In Hermel, mukhtars cabled Berri to congratulate him while convoys of
the Amal movement patrolled the streets honking out of joy.
Speaking from Nabatieh, MP Ali Bazzi described Berri as the "security
valve of the country," stressing that the speaker's speech will be
the Parliament's program in the coming phase.
He highlighted the importance of promoting national unity, calling
for transcending bickering and striving to serve the country's
interests.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress