Bkirki Seeking to Bridge the Gap among Christians, End Presidential Impasse

Bkirki is reportedly witnessing intensive visits by Maronite leaders to resolve the presidential deadlock and salvage the Christians' most prominent post, regaining its political role, media reports said on Friday.

According to al-Joumhouria newspaper, the endeavors carried out by Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi are backed by the Vatican, France and several European counties.

The daily said that al-Rahi is bridging the gap between four rival parties – the Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces, the Kataeb Party and the Marada Movement.

Al-Rahi is keen to launch dialogue between FPM chief Michel Aoun and LF leader Samir Geagea after ties between Christians deteriorated and hit bottom rock.

The Patriarch, according to the newspaper, also fears that the Lebanese became used to the absence of a president and are dealing with it as a “normal” matter.

On Thursday, controversy loomed whether Marada Movement Chief Suleiman Franjieh held talks with al-Rahi in Bkirki.

However, newspapers confirmed on Friday the meeting, saying that they discussed the latest developments, in particular the presidential crisis.

Sources described in comments published in An Nahar newspaper the meeting as “positive,” adding that Bkirki is optimistic that the four Maronite leaders would resume dialogue.

The sources said the talks between al-Rahi and the Christian leaders indicate that there is a will to end differences, revealing that the communication channels between the FPM and the LF are open.

The presidential post has been empty since May 25, when former President Michel Suleiman's term ended.

Regional divisions and the political stalemate in the country's parliament have left lawmakers unable to agree on a successor.

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