Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea succeeded on Tuesday in gathering the support of the March 14 alliance in his run for presidency, on the eve of a parliamentary session dedicated for holding the first round of vote on a new head of state.
March 14 leaders convened in the evening at the Center House, and declared Geagea as their candidate for presidency.
Full StoryProgressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat on Tuesday announced the revival of the Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc and the nomination of its member MP Henri Helou for the presidency, one day before a parliamentary session aimed at voting for a new president.
“The Democratic Gathering has been revived with all its members and we're one family again,” Jumblat said after a meeting in Clemenceau.
Full StoryThe Change and Reform parliamentary bloc led by MP Michel Aoun announced Tuesday that it will cast blank votes in Wednesday's presidential election.
"We have decided to take part in Wednesday's session and we will cast blank votes," MP Emile Rahme said, reciting a terse statement issued after the bloc's weekly meeting in Rabieh.
Full StoryLebanese Forces delegates continued on Tuesday meeting with lawmakers over the presidential elections, as MP Sethrida Geagea announced that the LF chief might gather up to 50 votes in his favor during Wednesday's parliamentary session dedicated for the election of a new head of state.
Tuesday's meetings kicked off with talks with Speaker Nabih Berri in the Beirut neighborhood of Ain al-Tineh, and the latter revealed that his Development and Liberation MPs will attend Wednesday's session at the parliament to vote for a new president.
Full StoryFormer premier Najib Miqati announced Tuesday that he and his ally MP Ahmed Karami will vote for Democratic Gathering's presidential nominee MP Henri Helou during Wednesday's session, as Tripoli MP Mohammed Safadi said he will take the “sensitivities” in the city into consideration.
According to a statement issued by Miqati's office, the ex-PM met with Health Minister Wael Abou Faour and MP Helou in the evening at his Verdun residence.
Full StoryAl-Mustaqbal bloc announced on Monday its “full support” to the leader of the Lebanese Forces in his presidential bid, as LF delegates continued their visits to parties and parliamentary blocs over Samir Geagea's run for office.
“We announce our full support to Samir Geagea in his run for presidency,” al-Mustaqbal bloc MP Ahmed Fatfat stated after talks with LF delegates.
Full StoryLebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stated that vacuum in the presidency is possible “should the other camp choose to obstruct the democratic process,” reported al-Jazeera television.
He said in an interview that will be aired on Monday night: “I do not fear security chaos should vacuum arise.”
Full StoryGreek Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut Elias Awdeh said on Sunday that if a new president was elected within the constitutional deadline then Lebanon would be moving on the right track.
In his Easter sermon at the St. George Cathedral in downtown Beirut Awdeh said that “all vacuum posts in the state should be filled” with competent employees.”
Full StoryPresident Michel Suleiman reiterated on Sunday his complete rejection to any attempt to extend his term, describing his relations with all parties, including Hizbullah, as normal.
“Extending the term of any official is not democratic despite the extension of the current parliament's term,” Suleiman said after holding a behind-closed door meeting with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi at Bkirki ahead of the Easter mass.
Full StoryAl-Mustaqbal movement is expected voice its support for Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea's presidential bid, An Nahar newspaper reported on Sunday, as reports said representatives of the two parties will meet on Monday.
An Nahar said al-Mustaqbal would officially adopt Geagea's candidacy within 48 hours.
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