Hariri Supports Parliament Term Extension if Presidential Polls 'Not Possible,' Announces $15 Million Donation to Rebuild Arsal

Head of the Mustaqbal Movement MP Saad Hariri said on Monday that he "does not mind" extending the parliament's term if the election of a new head of state was not possible.

"We do not want parliamentary polls before electing a new president and if this was not possible, we support extending the parliament's term," Hariri was quoted as saying after holding talks with Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat at the Center House.

Earlier in the day, Hariri announced his intention to donate USD 15 million to help rebuild the northeastern town of Arsal following the battles witnessed there between the army and Islamist militants.

He announced that the funds will be dedicated to building schools and a hospital, as well as meeting pressing needs in the town.

The MP made the announcement during a meeting with a delegation of Arsal residents at the Center House in Beirut.

“The unrest in Arsal alerted the people to the chronic tragedy in the town,” he added before his visitors.

“We are aware of the sacrifices Arsal presented to aid the Syrian refugees and how its sons opened their homes to aid them over the years,” continued Hariri.

“Arsal undoubtedly incurred great losses in lives and properties, but we thank God that the scheme against it was exposed. We must protect the town through all of our means and avert future harm against it,” he stressed.

The MP pledged that vital infrastructure will be set up in Arsal.

Fighting erupted on August 2 between the army and Islamist militants in Arsal in light of the arrest of a prominent member of the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Nusra Front.

Scores of soldiers were killed and numerous others wounded in the ensuing clashes.

A ceasefire was reached on Thursday, but at least 35 troops have been held captive by the gunmen who fled the town.

M.T./ S.D.B.

S.D.B.