Parliament to Launch its First Debate in Two Years
Parliament opens its gates Friday to lawmakers engaged in their first debate in over two years, focusing on the policy statement of Premier Fouad Saniora”s cabinet upon which it would be granted the go ahead to rule.
At least 65 MPs have asked to address parliament in what is usually a national event broadcast live by local radio and television networks.
The Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces are to throw a security dragnet around the house in a way that wouldn”t obstruct the flourishing business at the tourist sector of downtown Beirut.
Deliberating the cabinet”s policy statement is expected to last about four days.
Several MPs said they expect the cabinet to win a vote of confidence with an overwhelming majority.
Predictions had it that MPs who would oppose the policy statement and refuse to grant the cabinet a vote of confidence wouldn”t exceed five legislators.
Berri said he also would call the house to a legislative cycle after the confidence function to "tackle several bills related to the people”s needs, which cannot wait."