Gemayel: Consensus on a President Impossible Unless Imposed by the Outside
Kataeb Party chief Amin Gemayel stated on Saturday that its impossible for the Lebanese political factions to agree on a consensual president unless the decision was “imposed by the outside.”
Achieving the “legal quorum to elect a president is missing and so is agreeing on a consensual president,” Gemayel said in an interview to al-Akhbar daily.
He pointing out that the rival parties will not agree on a candidate “unless he was imposed by the outside.”
The Lebanese parliament has failed so far to elect a new head of state ever since former President Michel Suleiman's term ended in May. The rival MPs were unable to find a successor over their differences on a compromise candidate.
The March 14 alliance member added: “We must abide by the democratic game.”
“Lebanon is a mosaic and each faction is closely concerned and is part of the process of electing a president. However, achieving a majority at the parliament to elect a new head of state ensures the continuation of the Lebanese system thus preventing monopoly,” he stressed.
Media reports said earlier that Gemayel is reportedly insisting on becoming the March 14 alliance's candidate for the presidency if the camp was able to agree with the rest of the country's factions on a compromise figure.
Gemayel wants to replace Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, media reports said.
“During the March 14 meeting we agreed that if any of our candidates has a chance to be elected we will all back him,” stated Gemayel.
“My political and national orientations are general and I have good relations with everyone. I understand that there is no veto nor consensus on my name, which could leave the door open.”
D.A.
H.K.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/147267 |