The Change and Reform bloc reiterated on Tuesday its call for the approval of a parliamentary electoral law that would offer fair representation, while revealing that it would propose that expatriates be granted representation at parliament.

MP Ibrahim Kanaan said after the bloc's weekly meeting: “The electoral law is not something we can strike a deal over, but it is linked to rights stipulated in the constitution and National Pact.”

The Change and Reform bloc welcomed on Tuesday the stand of Speaker Nabih Berri on the contentious legislative session, saying it adheres to the National Pact.

MP Ibrahim Kanaan said after the bloc's weekly meeting: “The position takes into consideration the stances of Christian blocs and is the first step towards resolving the dispute over the parliamentary electoral law.”

The Change and Reform bloc, led by MP Michel Aoun, condemned on Tuesday recent statements that have been made over the presidency and democracy, criticizing the “marginalization” of Christians.

MP Ibrahim Kanaan said after the bloc's weekly meeting at Rabieh: “Does respecting the National Pact halt at the rights of Christians?”

The Change and Reform bloc hoped on Tuesday that the meeting that was held last week between bloc chief MP Michel Aoun and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea would “restore balance” in state institutions in the country.

MP Ibrahim Kanaan said after the bloc's weekly meeting: “We hope that all parties would derive lessons from the Maarab talks to pave the way for a greater understanding in Lebanon.”

Change and Reform bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan urged on Friday political parties to “take advantage” of the agreement that was reached on Monday between Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and bloc head MP Michel Aoun.

He said after holding talks with Geagea at Maarab: “The agreement should be expanded to include all political blocs.”

The Change and Reform parliamentary bloc stressed Tuesday that Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea's nomination of bloc chief MP Michel Aoun for the presidency is aimed at unifying “all Lebanese, not only Christians,” noting that agreements that “transcend political agreements” are possible in this regard.

“The Change and Reform bloc has lauded LF leader Samir Geagea's nomination of MP Michel Aoun,” bloc secretary MP Ibrahim Kanaan announced after Change and Reform's weekly meeting in Rabieh.

Speaker Nabih Berri, Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil, Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Michel Aoun, and Change and Reform bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan had held talks on Monday ahead of a meeting aimed at preparing the agenda of the upcoming legislative session, revealed al-Joumhouria newspaper on Tuesday.

It said that the talks were held ahead of Monday's national dialogue talks.

The Lebanese Forces and Free Patriotic Movement will continue their contacts to reach a united stance on the upcoming legislative session, reported the daily An Nahar on Sunday.

LF chief Samir Geagea and Change and Reform bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan had held talks to that end on Saturday.

A national dialogue session scheduled for Thursday has been called off and the next session will be held on October 26, state-run National News Agency reported after Wednesday's session ended at the parliament.

“I submitted my paper on the characteristics of the next president in a bid to reconcile viewpoints. We won't be able to elect a president without a 'full package',” said Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat after leaving the dialogue session.

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi is closely following up the issue of decrees that have been signed without the approval of all cabinet members, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Thursday.

The newspaper said that MP Ibrahim Kanaan from Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform bloc met with al-Rahi in Bkirki on Tuesday and discussed the issue with him.