Democratic gathering leader MP Walid Jumblatt, who is known for his total objection to a president of military background, hailed army commander Gen. Michel Suleiman for his role in protecting the resistance and democracy. "We should overcome the issue of amending the constitution," Jumblatt told the daily An Nahar in remarks published Friday. "Â…What is important now is Lebanon's stability through a person who has had a key role in uniting the army, keeping it away from politics and protecting both civilians and institutions under the worst of conditions," Jumblatt said, in reference to Suleiman."This decision (to back Suleiman) was purely Lebanese Â… Gen. Suleiman's nomination deserves (support) to overcome all sensitivities," since the army commander, Jumblatt went on, is known for his "clean record in protecting the resistance and safeguarding (both) democracy and (public) institutions."
The constitution bans senior public servants from seeking the presidency until two years after they have left their posts. Any amendment would have to be drafted by the government and then presented to parliament for ratification.