Lebanon’s parliament Thursday re-elected Nabih Berri as Speaker for the next four years, extending his 17-year leadership in a vote that highlighted improved ties between rival politicians.
Berri, an ally of Hizbullah, was unopposed for the post that is reserved for a Shi’ite Muslim according to a Lebanese power-sharing system. It will be his 5th consecutive term. “Those who cast blank ballots today I am sure will re-elect me in four years,” Berri said in his acceptance speech. He was elected by 90 of 128 votes while twenty-eight legislators submitted blank ballots.
In his speech he also pledged that parliament would continue efforts to "liberate Lebanese territories, work on removing mines and guarantee the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701."
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
