Beirut: Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea welcomed Parliament's passage on Tuesday of a law abolishing the death penalty, describing it as "a very important step, both from a humanitarian perspective and in terms of how the civilized world views Lebanon."

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Geagea recalled that his party had first put forward the proposal in February 2012 through former MP Elie Keyrouz, adding that successive MPs from the Strong Republic parliamentary bloc had continued efforts to advance it.

He noted that the parliamentary Administration and Justice Committee had recently worked to finalize the bill's details before referring it to the plenary session.

"Congratulations to the Lebanese people on this law, as it represents a fundamental step toward the Lebanon of civilization, enlightenment and radiance that we have always dreamed of," Geagea said.

He concluded by expressing hope that the amnesty law, which he said had faced numerous obstacles, would also be passed, stressing that his party remained determined to support it until its adoption.