Gemayel Deems Presidential Polls a Priority, Says No Legislation amid Vacuum

Kataeb Party leader Amin Gemayel stressed on Friday that the election of a new head of state is a priority that should precede legislation, acknowledging difficulties in resolving the political impasse.

He stressed in comments published in the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat that the current parliament should only convene to elect a new president, clarifying that his party rejects to meet to discuss draft-laws in the absence of a president.

“We are demanded to elect a new head of state and then we kick off the work of the parliament,” Gemayel told the daily.

He considered that any settlement between the political arch-foes to legislate and pass urgent draft-laws amid the presidential vacuum could lead to further chaos.

“What seems to be a necessity for some parties could be a minor issue for other,” Gemayel noted, fearing that such a deal would make the presidential elections a marginal matter.

Speaker Nabih Berri revealed recently that he reached an “initial understanding” with Lebanese Forces MP George Adwan to pass urgent draft-laws.

Parliament has been unable to legislate over the boycott of several blocs, including the March 14 alliance's lawmakers and Change and Reform MPs. The paralysis is linked to the presidential deadlock.

The majority of the March 8 alliance's MPs have been causing a lack of quorum in sessions aimed at electing a president, leaving the country without a head of state.

President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended in May and the parliament's mandate, which was extended last year, expires in November. Some blocs are backing a second extension while others are rejecting it.

Concerning his meeting with Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat, Gemayel said that they agree on the importance of swiftly resolving the lingering crises confronting Lebanon and the region.

“There is a necessity to hold onto the state institutions and activate its work,” the Kataeb chief said.

On Thursday, Jumblat visited Gemayel at his residence in Bikfaya. The two leaders discussed an initiative to preserve state institutions, mainly the Lebanese army.

H.K.

G.K.