Gemayel Fears Repercussions of Lingering Vacuum

Outgoing Kataeb Party chief Amin Gemayel lashed out Tuesday at those who are obstructing the election of a new president, expressing concern over the yearlong vacuum at the Baabda Palace.

“There are several initiatives but we are only concerned with heading to the parliament and electing a new president as the country can no longer endure” the lingering circumstances, Gemayel told reporters after meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri at his residence in Ain el-Tineh.

Gemayel's statement comes a day after the Change and Reform bloc began a tour on the rival parties to brief them on Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun's four-point initiative to resolve the presidential crisis.

“The presidential elections is a joint responsibility and not individual,” Gemayel said, expressing fear that the polls are linked to foreign developments.

Gemayel pointed out that Berri is “only concerned with activating legislation at the parliament and redeeming the country.”

On Monday, the Kataeb chief said he agreed during a meeting with a delegation from Aoun's Change and Reform bloc to “maintain communication” during this period.

“Our proposal was taken into consideration and we promised to consider the (Free Patriotic) Movement's suggestions,” said Gemayel, stressing that “the country cannot withstand long-term solutions or conflicting interpretations of the Lebanese political system and Constitution.”

H.K.

M.T.