Aoun's Silence on Geagea Proposal over Presidency Seen as a Rejection
Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun remained mum on a proposal made by his rival Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea to resolve the presidential deadlock but his silence was explained as a source of rejection.
Aoun met with a delegation from Maronite institutions on Thursday. Sources of the conferees in Rabieh said the lawmaker did not comment on a suggestion made by Geagea to either run against him for office or to meet and agree on a consensual nominee.
The sources told al-Liwaa newspaper published Friday that Aoun's silence was seen as a rejection of the proposal.
Lawmakers failed for the fifth time last week in electing a new head of state over differences between the rival March 8 and March 14 camps on a compromise candidate.
March 14 supports the LF chief for office, who managed to gather 48 votes in the first round of votes.
The March 8 camp has not yet announced its candidate and Aoun has repeatedly insisted that he will only take part in the presidential race if he was declared a consensual candidate.
Aoun told the members of the delegation on Thursday that he was the strongest Christian leader and should reach Baabda Palace, al-Liwaa reported.
He also said that he was capable of resolving pending issues.
Members of the Maronite institutions have previously visited Geagea and Phalange leader Amin Gemayel, and are expected to meet with Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh next Wednesday.
The meetings that are aimed at resolving the presidential crisis are scheduled to end with talks with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.
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