MP Khalil calls for end to accusations and urges speedy government formation

Source: Nowlebanon.com, 29-6-2008

"For the past two years, we have tried and continue to try to re-establish Lebanese national discourse on the right track... because we only want this country to remain united as a homeland for all its citizens," MP Ali Hassan Khalil of the Liberation and Development bloc said on Sunday.
At a political symposium in the southern town of Nabatiyah, Khalil said the Lebanese had lived through many obstacles and problems, yet many obstacles remained.

"We disagree on the electoral system, and could not agree on an electoral law that met the aspirations of all the Lebanese. Instead, we always looked for a law that constituted a base for political settlement," Khalil said.

"What happened in Doha biggest proof of that," he added, "where an electoral law that we are still committed to was ratified, one which we were partners in creating."
Yet the MP noted his dissatisfaction with the electoral law as passed in Doha, and called for a law based on proportional representation in large electoral districts.

"Quite frankly, it does not meet the aspirations of the Lebanese who desire true participation by allowing each Lebanese group representation in parliament. This can only come about through the adoption of proportionality within the broadest electoral districts possible," he explained.
Khalil said he felt that some Lebanese leaders perceived the election of President Michel Sleiman, who on Sunday said he expected a cabinet within 48 hours, to be "a station in the continuing political crisis."

"Today we look forward... [T]his election must be a step in transferring Lebanon to political settlement through the formation of a government based on genuine partnership, a national unity government that represents all," he stated. "And we must start by addressing the major issues facing Lebanon at economic and social levels."

Khalil pointed out that it was "natural" to have discussions on the government formation, but called on leaders to heed the Lebanese voices calling to speed up the formation of the cabinet.
Khalil concluded by criticizing "some clergymen," whom he incited the Lebanese through their "direct or indirect speeches."

"Throwing charges and accusations at each other now does not benefit anyone. It is the responsibility of all leaders, and we remain motivated to reach a settlement," the opposition MP said.