BEIRUT, Lebanon, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Lebanon's Cabinet approval of a controversial international court to try the killers of a former premier is expected to increase political wrestling.
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's Cabinet, dominated by the anti-Syria March 14 Coalition, approved the U.N.-ratified court draft despite opposition by pro-Syrian Shiite ministers from Hezbollah and Speaker Nabih Berri's Amal movement who had resigned 10 days ago.
The approved document legally needs ratification from pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud before being referred to Parliament for final endorsement.
"We definitely don't expect the president to sign the document within the 15-day constitutional period," legislator Samir Franjieh from the March 14 Coalition told United Press International Monday.
Once the period expires, the Cabinet can refer it to Parliament. However, the House cannot convene without a summoning by the speaker.
"The Speaker can refrain from summoning Parliament on the grounds that the Cabinet is illegitimate, though constitutionally legal, due to the resignation of the Shiite ministers," Franjieh said.
He stressed that Speaker Berri is under tremendous pressure from both the March 14 Coalition and the Hezbollah-led camp.
He said Berri might resist referring the court document to Parliament for voting. "One thing that might make him change his mind is if the United Nations decides to deal with the matter under Article Seven," Franjieh added.
Under the U.N. article, the Security Council has the right to set up the court for prosecuting the killers of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri without getting the approval of the Lebanese government.
Franjieh downplayed Hezbollah's threats to stage imminent street protests to bring down the government, noting that the situation is very tense and no one would want to take responsibility for any possible frictions in the street.
