Lebanese parliament majority, Known as the March 14 group, approved Sunday constitutional amendment paving the way for electing Army Commander Michel Suleiman as president for the republic.

The majority said in a statement it approved to "launch necessary constitutional mechanisms" to bring General Suleiman to the presidency.

The majority had showed reservations over the amendment of article 49 of the constitution which stipulates that executive employees, like General Suleiman, should resign at least two years before being elected as presidents.

It said it took this initiative after Lebanon "has indeed entered into a vacuum in the presidency because of the failure of initiatives and solutions."

The parliament is to convene next Friday to elect a new president to succeed Emile Lahoud, whose term expired on November 24.

KUNA

Güncelleme Tarihi: 03 Aralık 2007, 15:37