Majdalani calls for creation of Senate to represent all sects

Member of Parliament Atef Majdalani called for the creation of a Senate council in order to offer proper and fair representation for all the religious sects in Lebanon. Speaking to "Al Sharq" radio, the MP repeated Future Movement's total rejection of the Orthodox plan and threatened to withdraw from the joint parliamentary committee meetings if this bill was put to voting. He added that Future MPs have agreed to participate in the joint committee meetings despite its strong reservations of the presence of Cabinet ministers in order to find an acceptable election law. Majdalani warned the supporters of the Orthodox plan that the endorsement of this controversial bill could widen the gap between the Lebanese and fragment the country. The MP added that the Orthodox bill could threaten the existence of the Christians in Lebanon, arguing that the allies of the Free Patriotic Movement are using this proposal to deal a blow to the equal power sharing formula among all sects. Majdalani pinned high hopes on Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri who is keen not endorse a bill that would not include all the segments of the society. "We are waiting for Berri to fulfill his word especially since major components in Lebanon totally refuse the Orthodox bill," the MP said. He regretted that the Lebanese Forces and Kataeb may vote in favor of the Orthodox bill.