BEIRUT, Lebanon, Nov. 30 Lebanon’s parliament has postponed until Dec. 7 a session to select the country’s next president, the sixth time the election has been pushed back.
In a statement issued by his office, Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri said he took the action to permit further efforts to reach consensus on the election, The Lebanon Daily Star reported.It was the sixth time a parliamentary vote has been postponed but the reason for the delay this time had nothing to do with selecting a candidate.

Politicians from various factions have expressed their willingness to back Gen. Michel Suleiman of the Lebanese armed forces. Observers told the Daily Star the focus has shifted to finding the best means of amending the country’s constitution which prohibits senior state employees from running for president while in office. Lebanon’s presidency has been vacant since Nov. 23 when incumbent Emile Lahoud’s term expired.