Report: March 14 Participation in Extraordinary Parliament Session Linked to Extending Rifi's Term
The dispute over the legality of holding a parliamentary session in the presence of a caretaker government has persisted amid claims that the Mustaqbal bloc and its March 14 allies may take part in it exchange for certain demands linked to the formation of a new cabinet, reported As Safir newspaper Saturday.
Widely informed sources told the daily that the bloc is also seeking to propose extending the term of retired Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi in exchange of attending an extraordinary parliament session.
An Nahar daily meanwhile said on Saturday that the March 8 camp objects to extending his mandate.
It explained that this proposal will only serve to complicate the approval of a draft law on extending the tenures of security officials.
Given these conflicting positions, it added that it seems doubtful that the parliamentary session scheduled for July 16 will be held.
Mustaqbal MP Ahmed Fatfat told An Nahar: “Extending the term of security officials is part of the problem linked to the parliamentary session.”
“The March 14 camp is adamant in demanding the extension of Rifi's term because it is a political and security necessity for the alliance that has become exposed on the security level,” he explained.
Acting ISF chief Brigadier General Roger Salem took over the post of Rifi after his retirement, who was succeeded in turn by Brigadier General Ibrahim Basbous last month.
Discussions over extending the term of security officials has included Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.
His term ends in September when he turns 60, the maximum age for the post of the army commander.
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