Alain Aoun Confirms Hizbullah Mediation between FPM Chief, Speaker but No Meeting Soon

Change and Reform bloc MP Alain Aoun confirmed on Thursday a Hizbullah initiative to bridge the gap between Speaker Nabih Berri and Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun.

Aoun told An Nahar daily that Hizbullah's attempt to end the rift between Berri and the FPM chief is aimed at limiting tension and discussing the speaker's call for opening an extraordinary legislative session.

There have been reports in the past two days that Hizbullah launched the initiative to limit the sharp differences between Berri and Aoun over the cabinet's controversial decision-making formula and the opening of the parliamentary session.

Asked about reports that efforts are underway to set up a meeting between Berri and Aoun or between the country's top four March 8 alliance leaders, the lawmaker said: “The issue hasn't been yet discussed seriously.”

Parliament is in paralysis since November, when it last met to extend its own term over the failure to agree on a new electoral draft-law.

Berri is insisting on holding a legislative session to approve draft-laws that he deems important. But Aoun's Change and Reform bloc and other blocs want to add to the agenda other draft-laws that they back.

The cabinet members are also in a sharp dispute over its working mechanism.

The paralysis is the result of the absence of a president.