EU States Not in Favor of Holding Parliamentary Elections
European Union Ambassador to Lebanon Angelina Eichhorst said EU diplomats told Prime Minister Tammam Salam that the absence of a president was not sending the right message to the West.
“A country without a president does not send comforting messages to the international community at this particular stage,” Eichhorst told An Nahar newspaper in an interview published on Thursday.
Lebanese officials “will allow vacuum to reach all levels if they continue to remain divided,” she warned.
Her warning came after a meeting held by the ambassadors of major powers.
Their talks focused on the importance of holding the presidential elections, An Nahar said.
But the diplomats agreed that the parliamentary polls should not be held to avoid a further deterioration of the security situation.
The ambassadors of European countries expressed similar viewpoints during a meeting they held this week, the newspaper said.
They believe that security conditions don't allow the polls to be held in all regions.
Lebanon has been without a president since May 25 because of differences between the rival MPs on a compromise candidate. Their dispute has spilled over into parliament, which has been paralyzed over the boycott of several blocs.
Parliament is expected however to hold a session to extend its term for the second time.
Last year, the MPs extended their tenure to November 2014 after they failed to agree on an electoral draft-law.
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