Gemayel Says Parties Obstructing Presidential Elections Well-Known

Kataeb Party chief Amin Gemayel stressed on Sunday that the parties that are hindering the presidential elections and obstructing the state are well-known, pointing out that any decision to run for presidency will be announced after consultations with allies.

“Those behind the (presidential) conspiracy are known and the Lebanese know the parties that are causing lack of quorum,” Gemayel said in comment published in the Kuwaiti Seyassah newspaper.

The Christian leader pointed out that he “understands the reaction over the situation in the Gaza Strip and Iraq's Musol city,” describing the conditions as “barbaric.”

However, Gemayel wondered why “there is lack of care over the direct conspiracy against the Lebanese system,” saying: “I don't understand the blatant violation of the constitution and Lebanese norms.”

He expressed regret that the “sudden wake of conscience” didn't restore logic regarding the importance of swiftly electing a new head of state.

On Saturday, the parliament convened in order to express Lebanon's solidarity with the Palestinian Gaza Strip and the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The session was chaired by Speaker Nabih Berri and attended by the majority of political blocs.

The rival March 8 and 14 parliamentary blocs attended the session despite their failure to hold one to elect a new president since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May.

On Wednesday, the parliament failed for the ninth time to elect a new head of state due to lack of quorum as the March 8 affiliated Michel Aoun’s Change and Reform bloc and Hizbullah’s Loyalty to the resistance did not attend anew.

“The election of a new president gives Lebanon back its role and impact in the Arab world, which would enable it to confront all the developments,” the March 14 official said.

Asked if he will run for presidency, Gemayel said that “any decision regarding the matter would be announced after consultations with his allies.”

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has announced his candidacy in the elections, while Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun has said that he will run in the polls if there is consensus over his nomination.

H.K.