Lebanon's Presidential Vote Delayed Again

VOA News 10 December 2007

Lebanon's parliament has postponed the vote for a new president for the eighth time.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri issued a statement Monday, saying the election scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed until December 17. The delay gives rival political leaders more time to reach a consensus.

The ruling coalition and opposition lawmakers are divided on several issues, including how to amend the constitution to enable army chief General Michel Suleiman to be elected.

Lebanon has been without a president since November 23, when pro-Syrian Emile Lahoud's term ended.

General Suleiman is seen as a neutral figure who could resolve the conflict between the Western-backed majority and the pro-Syrian opposition.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

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