Lebanese Grand Mufti Mohamad Rashid Qabbani warned against extension of Parliament mandate, saying such move could lead to further tensions and chaos in the country.

Lebanese Grand Mufti Mohamad Rashid Qabbani warned against extension of Parliament mandate, saying such move could lead to further tensions and chaos in the country.

He stressed the importance of reaching an agreement on a new electoral law that achieves the interests of all Lebanese sects.

In a televised address, Qabbani said there should be a new electoral law “that presents the bridge of political transition into change that fulfills the benefit of the Lebanese.”

“Based on this, the mandate of the parliament should not be extended just because the political faction could not reach an agreement over an electoral law.”

“There should not be extension of parliament for a year or more,” Grand Mufti warned, saying that such move could lead to further deterioration of security situation in Lebanon.

In this context he urged Speaker Nabih Berri to exert efforts in order to reach a new electoral law.

Meanwhile, Qabbani urged Premier-designate Tammam Salam to speedup forming a new government.
The PM-designate and the leaders of the different sects should speed up the formation of the cabinet,” Qabbani said.

Concerning the security situation in the country, he warned that the chaos in the northern city of Tripoli is a threat to the citizens there.

“The state has the essential responsibilities in deterring the gunmen ... security agencies should also work to impose a ceasefire,” he added.