Jumblat Meets Berri, Hails Hariri's 'Excellent, Democratic' Remarks

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat held talks Sunday with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh, after which he hailed remarks on the presidential issue by al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri.

“After a long travail and numerous and lengthy (national) dialogue sessions, we eventually reached an agreement over the president's characteristics and as well as positive results,” said Jumblat after the meeting.

“Now, we must elect a president and there are three candidates, so let us go to parliament and let the democratic game take its course, which is a simple issue,” he added.

Asked about Hariri's return to Lebanon at dawn Sunday for participation in the annual rally commemorating slain ex-PM Rafik Hariri, Jumblat described the former premier's return to the country as “excellent.”

“We heard his remarks at the BIEL rally and they were also excellent. They pave the way for the democratic game which we support and we agree with what he said,” added Jumblat.

Jumblat had arrived in Ain al-Tineh only minutes after Hariri finished delivering his speech.

In his address, Hariri stressed that his movement “does not fear” the election as president of any candidate who abides by the Taef Accord, noting that his latest proposal to nominate MP Suleiman Franjieh has stirred “the stagnant political waters.”

Addressing Hizbullah, the Free Patriotic Movement and their allies, the ex-PM said: “Go to parliament and elect a president, unless your real candidate is vacuum.”

Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended on May 25, 2014 and Hizbullah, the FPM and some of their allies have been boycotting the electoral sessions.

Hariri launched late in 2015 a proposal to nominate Franjieh for the presidency but his suggestion was rejected by the country's main Christian parties as well as Hizbullah.

Hizbullah and some of its allies, as well as March 14's Lebanese Forces, have argued that Aoun is more eligible than Franjieh to become president given the size of his parliamentary bloc and his influence in the Christian community.

Jumblat had voiced support for Hariri's proposal to nominate Franjieh when it first emerged but lately he has reiterated his adherence to the nomination of MP Henri Helou, a member of his Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc.

Y.R.