Bassil calls for unity, ceasefire, and presidential consensus

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil has called for unity to confront Israel, for a ceasefire, and for the election of a consensual president.

In remarks to al-Modon web portal, Bassil said the priority is for a ceasefire and for deterring a possible re-occupation of south Lebanon.

Bassil said he has launched a new initiative that he discussed with the U.S., Saudi Arabia, France, Egypt and Qatar. He said he also met with the British ambassador and with the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General.

His initiative would start with a ceasefire, followed by the election of a consensual president, Bassil explained. He said that he is now collecting the names of all the presidential candidates, including Hezbollah candidate Suleiman Franjieh, the army chief, and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea.

Bassil in his remarks called for the implementation of U.N. council resolution 1701, said all Lebanese would not accept an occupation and described Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri as patriotic, responsible, and wise. "Berri, is playing a patriotic and responsible role," Bassil said, despite long disagreements between the two leaders. "Berri is acting with great wisdom," Bassil said.