| Pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud's bid to stay in office three more years was assured in a dramatic about-face Saturday when political rival Prime Minister Rafik Hariri bowed to Syrian pressure and proposed a constitutional amendment allowing the head of state to extend his term. The amendment, adopted at a 20-minute extraordinary Cabinet meeting Saturday, will be sent to Parliament, where pro-Syrian legislators hold a large majority. Lahoud's term expires in Nov. 24 and Parliament was expected to meet as early as next week to pass the amendment, extending the president's term without an election. The president's supporters have said the security and political conditions in the Middle East demanded Lahoud stay in office. Lahoud's opponents have said there was nothing urgent that required the country to amend its constitution. The amendment came despite mounting international pressure on Syria, led by the United States, to keep hands off. Syria wants a pro-Syrian president to guarantee its position in Lebanon, seen as crucial to Syria's political influence in the Middle East and security. |