Hariri Denies Differences with Geagea, Jumblat, Assures Problem ‘Rests with Others’
| Al-Mustaqbal Movement leader and MP Saad Hariri on Thursday denied there were any differences between him and his allies –Druze chief Walid Jumblat and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea — assuring that “diversity of viewpoints rests with others.” After an unscheduled meeting with Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, Hariri assured the Lebanese that they will have a “strong president” before Nov. 24.Responding to a question, Hariri said that “we did not go through names. We reviewed qualities of a president for the republic.” “We want a strong president familiar with the political situation,” Hariri said from Bkirki, the seat of the Maronite church. Asked to comment on a call by Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun for dialogue on the presidential election, Hariri said: “We are not against dialogue with any of the political parties. We need dialogue … This is our national duty.” He cautioned that any MP who boycotts the next presidential election session “would be responsible for the resulting vacuum.” “All the people should know how serious political vacuum is,” Hariri said. Hariri went straight from Bkirki to Meerab where he held a lengthy meeting with Geagea. At a joint press conference at the end of the talks, Hariri said the feuding Lebanese camps “ought to start dialogue, otherwise how do we elect a president?” “We are our going to reach consensus. We are moving toward consensus,” Hariri stressed. Geagea, in turn, said: “Our utmost desire is to be able together with our brethren in March 8 (alliance) to reach consensus.” “This is going to be the starting point in our negotiations,” Geagea said. He stressed that March 14 advocates a president who is committed to the promotion of democracy and good political governance, in addition to being an independent decision maker. |
| Beirut, 27 Sep 07, 17:29 |
