Parliament Rebels Against President, Berri: 'Geagea Free by July's End'

The majority of the newly elected parliament has decided to boycott a session scheduled for Wednesday in protest against a presidential decree that opened a 15-day legislative sitting without listing on the agenda a parole bill to free Lebanese Forces commander Samir Geagea from prison. The majority move has blocked a quorum for Wednesday's session to vote in parliament's new specialized committees, which is the only agenda item listed in the presidential decree that was issued by President Lahoud and outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday. Angry because he was not consulted, Speaker Berri announced the cancellation of Wednesday's session and renewed his public pledge that Geagea will be out of jail before July's end. "I stand by my public commitment for Dr. Geagea's release even if a petition carrying the signatures of one half of parliament members is required," Berri said in what appeared to be a challenge to President Lahoud. Qornet Shahwan legislator Butros Harb announced Wednesday that he has collected the signatures of 70 parliament members for a petition demanding an immediate session of parliament to vote on Geagea's parole bill. Berri also took a pro-Seniora stance, telling An Nahar the new government "will certainly be formed" and it would be functioning as of July 17 or 18. "I haven't interfered in the formation process so far," Berri said ahead of a meeting scheduled for Wednesday with Seniora, however.