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Berri warned of 'chaos' in presidential poll run-up |  Printable version | 11/09/2007 Lebanon's Parliament speaker Nabih Berri has warned that Lebanon risks sliding into "chaos" if the so-called majority rejects his last-ditch compromise on this month's presidential poll.
"My proposal is the last chance to help resolve the internal (political) crisis. It will help lead to the holding of presidential elections and avoid potential chaos in Lebanon," he Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar.
"I want to hear the other camp (ruling bloc) declare its unconditional support, without any 'ifs'," Berri said in comments published on Tuesday.
Berri has officially called for a special parliament session on September 25 for MPs to elect a successor to President Emile Lahoud.
On August 31, Berri said his camp (Lebanese National opposition) was willing to drop a demand for a unity government if both sides agree on a candidate for the presidency. The so-called majority in parliament has still not answered his offer.
"It is the last thing we can offer to the other camp before the presidential elections," Berri told Al-Akhbar. "I can go back on my proposal, but do they want us all to return to the issue of a national unity government."
Last Wednesday, head of Free Patriotic Movement General Michel Aoun also warned that Lebanon risks an "explosion" unless the ruling bloc seeks a compromise on its choice of a president.
A list of foreign envoys is converging on Beirut to try to help resolve the crisis.
Later Tuesday, an aide to German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was due in Beirut, a day after a visit by a Spanish envoy preparing a visit by Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos. On Wednesday US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Elizabeth Dibble is due in town to express Washington's backing for the unconstitutional government of Fouad Saniora. Sudanese presidential envoy Mohamad Othman Ismail, who has been shuttling back and forth to Lebanon since last year, was also due in Beirut the same day. On Thursday, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Alexander Sultanov are also expected to join the effort. And Saudi Ambassador Abdel Aziz Khoja returned to Beirut on Sunday to pursue efforts to help resolve the crisis.
| | Posted By: SH - news@wilayahnetwork.com | | Back |
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