Gemayel Holds 'Fruitful' Meeting with Hariri, Says Efforts Exerted to Preserve Opposition

Phalange leader Amin Gemayel has said that the March 14 opposition alliance was exerting strong efforts to preserve the coalition despite electoral differences.

“The efforts are currently being exerting to achieve true partnership while preserving the March 14 (alliance) and the national interest,” Gemayel told An Nahar daily following talks with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri in Paris on Monday.

His remarks were published in An Nahar on Tuesday.

Describing his meeting with Hariri, who is the head of al-Mustaqbal movement, as “fruitful,” Gemayel said: “The discussions focused on the general situation in the country, the repercussions of the Syrian crisis in addition to the electoral law.”

“The national alliance (between the different March 14 factions) that was established in 2005 was essential in salvaging the country,” he told An Nahar.

“It is compelling that we coordinate (our stances) to achieve solutions that guarantee true partnership and preserve the country at the same time,” the former president said.

Gemayel hoped that Hariri would return to Lebanon soon.

Differences have lately emerged between the Phalange and al-Mustaqbal over an electoral draft-law.

While the Phalange has announced its support for the so-called Orthodox Gathering proposal along with 3 other Christian parties - the Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces and Marada - al-Mustaqbal has totally rejected it for harming the social fabric.

The proposal calls for a single district and allows each sect to vote for its own lawmakers under a proportional representation system.

Hariri's press office said following his meeting with Gemayel that discussions focused on the challenges facing Lebanon and the different viewpoints on the proposed electoral draft-laws.

It said Hariri has held phone conversations with President Michel Suleiman, LF chief Samir Geagea, MP Butros Harb and met with former lawmakers Fares Soaid and Samir Franjieh.

He is also expected to meet on Tuesday with Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat, who has held talks with French President Francois Hollande during his visit to Paris.

Gemayel is also scheduled to meet with Hollande on Wednesday.