Report: Hariri Says Geagea's Chances to Reach Baabda Limited

Al-Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri had said recently that Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea's chances to reach the Baabda Palace faded away.

Al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Saturday that Hariri informed Kataeb party MP Sami Gemayel that Geagea will not reach the presidential palace in Baabda.

Gemayel traveled on Sunday with Geagea on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.

It is still unclear whether or not Geagea and Gemayel held a tripartite meeting with Hariri.

Lebanon's political scene has reached an impasse over differences between the March 8 and 14 alliances.

The country has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May as the rival parties have failed so far to agree on a compromise candidate, which is also threatening to torpedo the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The crises are threatening further vacuum at Lebanese institutions, which could also impact the cabinet.

Al-Joumhouria newspaper reported on Saturday that head of al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc MP Fouad Saniora, head of Hariri's office Nader Hariri, ex-MP Ghattas Khoury and several other figures discussed with Geagea and Gemayel the political crises upon their arrival in Beirut.

H.K.

D.A.