Politicians must not interfere in council

Lebanon's Constitutional Council President Beirut - Georges Chahine Lebanon's Constitutional Council President Issam Suleiman has criticised interference in his council, stressing that such "violation" would not take place in any other state. Suleiman expressed frustration over recent "fabrications" targeting his council. He has called for an amendment in a number of articles to help protect the council from interference from politicians. The council president also blamed the absence of three members affiliated to Shiite movements Hezbollah and Amal, and a member of Druze Movement to a "lack of quorum" which he states has "prevented them from considering appeals aimed at extending the parliament term." Suleiman confirmed to Arab Today that the council held its last meeting in Friday to "take a decision" regarding the appeals. He added that a report will then be submitted to the Lebanese president and prime minister. Suleiman, however, added that if the appeal "fails to be considered" then it will "forcefully be impugned," warning that it may turn into a "constitutional precedent" which could go on to "undermine" any appeal submitted by the council thereafter. Issam Suleiman criticised campaigns that have targeted him and his council, adding that they will "continue to perform" their role in this "critical stage."