Najjar Warns Against Democracy Setback
Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar on Tuesday said Premier Fouad Saniora”s national unity cabinet is apparently crippled by the minority”s veto powers and a ban on the majority”s right to resign.
Najjar, in a radio interview, was apparently referring to the Doha Accord that gave the Hizbullah-led minority veto powers in the cabinet and banned ministers representing the March 14 majority from resigning their posts to avoid collapse of the executive authority.
The Doha Accord, reached after the series of attacks by Hizbullah and allies against Beirut”s western sector and predominantly Druze regions of Mount Lebanon, expires after the June 7 Parliamentary elections.
"The margin of maneuverability for both the majority and minority is very narrow. Consensus is the only option they have," Najjar added.
He warned that "democracy in Lebanon would face a major setback if the constitutional council was not formed before the elections."
Najjar said President Michel Suleiman and Saniora would exert "major efforts to reach an understanding" with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri over allocations for the Council for South Lebanon.