Lebanese PM warns of paralyzing the government and parliament

Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam has expressed concern over the rising dispute between the country's different factions, which could paralyze the government.

In press statements published Monday, the Lebanese Premier urged all parties to be "wise and confront the difficult situation that the country is living," adding that disputes "could lead to more unwanted clashes." The Prime Minister hoped that the dialogue between different parties would help limit the tension.

Last Wednesday, the Lebanese Parliament failed for the 22nd consecutive time to elect a new president owing to a lack of the constitutionally-required quorum.
The country has been without a president for 333 days when the six-year term of former President Michel Suleiman ended on May 25 last year.

The constitutionally-required quorum stipulates the presence of 86 legislators in the 128-seat parliament, but only 44 legislators were present in the house by noon on Wednesday, which led Speaker Nabih Berri to adjourn the session and call for a new one on May 13.