Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi said on Tuesday that he prefers that the 2013 parliamentary elections be held on time, even if no agreement was reached on a new electoral law. “If they can't agree on a new electoral law, the 1960 law is still in place,” said al-Rahi upon his arrival to Rafik Hariri International Airport from the Vatican. Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said on Friday that “it is possible to extend the term of the current parliament for an additional 6 months until an accord on the electoral law is reached or the 1960 law is amended”.

Al-Rahi also called upon politicians to resume the national dialogue sessions, asking the leaders to “abandon all preconditions that are hindering these talks for the sake of the country and its welfare”. [Link]