The Lebanese Parliament meets on May 31, 2022, in Beirut. (Credit: Twitter/@JWronecka)
BEIRUT — The United National's special coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, on Tuesday wished the new Parliament success and called on it to "adopt the laws necessary to implement the required reforms.” Worenecka’s statement came following the first session of the 2022 Parliament in which Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri was re-elected.
Here’s what we know:
• The representative of the UN said on Twitter that the role of the MPs is "vital to strengthen the stability of the Lebanese institutions and to adopt the laws necessary for the application of the required reforms.”
• Plunged into an unprecedented economic crisis since 2019, Lebanon has signed a preliminary staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund which, if concluded, would provide Lebanon with cash on the condition that it implements a number of reforms.
• “I was delighted to attend the first session of Parliament and to see the vibrant aspect of Lebanese democracy,” Wronecka, who was present on Tuesday morning, also said. “I wish the new Parliament success in the coming period,” she continued.
• Berri for the seventh time secured the Parliament speaker’s chair earlier today with the minimum required votes — 65 — on the first-round ballot. It was the lowest ever tally of votes for Berri in a speaker election. He has held the post since 1992.