Berri: Internal Obstacles Hindering Hariri Initiative

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed that the initiative to end the political deadlock “is still alive,” reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Monday.

“The presidential elections are facing internal obstacles because foreign powers have approved the proposal,” he explained according to his visitors.

“We are all required to tackle this issue,” he stated.

“Revitalizing government work and holding a cabinet session will be the focus of attention at the beginning of the new year, but priority should be given to the election of a head of state, which will solve all problems,” said the speaker.

Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate have thwarted the polls.

Hariri had proposed the nomination of Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh as president as part of a greater settlement that would revitalize the political scene in Lebanon.

The proposal was met with reservations from the March 8 and 14 camps, which is threatening its failure.

M.T.

D.A.