By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora has expressed hope that an upcoming parliament session will elect a new president after the meeting has been delayed for three times, The Daily Star reported on Saturday.
“We all hope that this session will be the last one and that we will witness the election of a new president next week,” Seniora was quoted as saying during a “farewell” Cabinet session held on Friday at its temporary headquarters in downtown Beirut.
Despite the expectation, the prime minister highlighted the challenges facing the government during the critical moments, reiterating that the government had done all it could in this respect.
He also listed the political, social and economic plans and projects undertaken by the government.
Seniora praised efforts exerted by the Lebanese army and various security forces for their noble efforts, as well as those who have died while carrying out their national duties.
The Lebanese Army crushed Fatah al-Islam militants on Sept. 2, after 106 days of intense fighting at the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has scheduled a session on Nov. 21 to elect a successor to President Emile Lahoud whose term expires on Nov. 23.
Lebanese ruling coalition and the opposition have been separated by a wide chasm since six of the latter’s ministers resigned from Seniora’s government last November.
The forecast presidential event has caused widespread concern among the Lebanese, fearing further disarrays and possible eruption of violence.