Geagea Calls for Presidential Battle at Parliament or Striking Unconditional Agreement with FPM
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea criticized on Wednesday the ongoing vacuum in the presidency, slamming Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun's approach towards the polls.
He said: “We call for waging the presidential elections battle at parliament or reaching an understanding, without preconditions, with the FPM.”
He made his remarks during a press conference in light of the postponement of the presidential elections, for the 16th time, over a lack of quorum at parliament.
“Contacts between us and Rabieh are open on an almost daily basis,” Geagea added in reference to Aoun's residence.
The FPM chief on Tuesday called for negotiating with him over “the survival of the republic,” stressing that he will not withdraw from the presidential race if there is no “key change in the practices of power.”
Geagea said: “I support Aoun on a number of political issues, but the election of a president is an accumulative process, not a passing moment.”
“The election of a president should not be tied to Aoun, but the position is linked to Maronites in Lebanon,” he explained.
“I am willing to withdraw from the presidential race, but the other camp should not attempt to impose a solution on us,” he stated.
“I am open to a serious proposal over resolving the dispute over the presidency,” declared the LF leader,
Commenting on the expected dialogue between the Mustaqbal Movement and Hizbullah, Geagea said: “We welcome the talks, especially if they will help ease tensions in Lebanon.”
He also clarified that should they address the presidential elections, they would focus on facilitating them, not choosing new candidates.
Aoun is still the candidate of the March 8 camp in the face of Geagea, the nominee of the March 14 forces. The rivalry between the two men has led to a lack of quorum in 16 electoral sessions in parliament, amid a boycott by the MPs of Aoun and Hizbullah.
The presidential seat has been vacant since president Michel Suleiman's term ended on May 25.
M.T.
H.K.
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