BEIRUT: The Future Movement is working to reactivate Parliament, Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk said Sunday, while saying there was a possibility to work with the party's rival Hezbollah to restore the functions of Lebanon's government and ease tensions.
“There is a possibility for collaboration between the Future Movement and Hezbollah through the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc,” Machnouk said upon his arrival to Qatar with a Lebanese delegation Sunday morning.
Stressing that the efforts aim to “remobilize the Cabinet and the Parliament and reduce sectarian tension,” Machnouk said the possibility of reactivating Parliament's legislative action was “serious.”
While the collaboration between the two rival parties is remarkable, Machnouk said that “the communication between Hariri and [ Hezbollah ally Speaker Nabih] Berri continues.”
Also in Doha as a part of a delegation led by Prime Minister Tammam Salam to discuss the hostage crisis with Qatari officials, General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim said “positive political developments will take place that will ease sectarian tension.”
Lebanon’s Parliament has been paralyzed since the end of former President Michel Sleiman’s term on May 25, as many Christian lawmakers refuse to engage in legislation in the absence of a head of state.
The inactivity has affected numerous Lebanese families and youth, especially due to the strikes and protests of teachers and civil servants demanding the wage hike.
Parliament’s term was set to end in 2013, but a controversial agreement between major parties led to a 17-month extension of its term until Nov. 20, 2014. However, lawmakers are expected to extend their mandate once again, something that has been fiercely opposed by political and civil society groups carrying out anti-extension demonstrations.
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