Gemayel Agrees with Aoun, Jumblat to End Presidential Crisis

Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun and Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat briefed head of the Kataeb Party Amin Gemayel on the latest consultations to resolve the presidential deadlock.

According to al-Joumhouria newspaper published on Thursday, Aoun, who visited Gemayel to offer his condolences over the death of his sister Claude, briefed the Phalange leader on his meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri regarding the presidential crisis.

“The two officials agreed to continue contacts to be able to confront the developments,” the daily reported.

Another meeting that was held between Jumblat and Gemayel tackled the latest local developments.

The newspaper said that the two officials agreed on exerting efforts to end the deadlock “as soon as possible.”

On Wednesday, Aoun announced from Ain el-Tineh that the participation of the Change and Reform bloc MPs in parliamentary sessions “is being mulled,” noting that solutions to the political crises might be found “in the near future.”

“It is normal to talk about the thorny issues, such as the presidential vote, the cabinet's faltering work and the parliament's performance,” Aoun said after meeting Berri.

Gemayel also held talks with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale, who informed the Christian leader on the motives of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's 5-hour visit to Beirut.

Hale reportedly stressed the importance of stability in Lebanon.

Kerry arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday for a short visit where he met with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

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