Naharnet

Miqati Hails Suleiman's Stances, Says Bassil's Statements 'Not Acceptable'

Prime Minister Najib Miqati loaded on Monday President Michel Suleiman's stances, saying that the president bases his decisions on the nation's higher interest.

“The president seeks to maintain the unity of the Lebanese and fears over the conditions of the Christians and their future,” Miqati told An Nahar newspaper.

The premier's comments come in light of a statement by Energy Minister Jebran Bassil on Sunday, whereby he expressed regret over claims that Suleiman has criticized the Orthodox Gathering proposal on an electoral draft-law.

“I am surprised that he rejects the project unless I personally hear that from him... He would be held responsible for missing this opportunity or for targeting a rare Christian consensus,” Bassil said.

“It is not acceptable that such a stance would be issued against the president,” Miqati pointed out.

However, Bassil said in his statement that “he doesn't believe such claims.”

The suggestion that has received the backing of top rival Christian parties -The Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces, the Phalange Party and the Marada movement – during a meeting in Bkirki was that of the Orthodox Gathering which calls for each sect to elect its own MPs under a proportional representation system based on a nationwide district.

Top Christian parties later held another meeting under al-Rahi in Bkirki, issuing a terse statement, a move that was seen as a retreat from their support for the Orthodox proposal.

The proposal has been criticized, in addition to Suleiman, by Miqati, National Struggle Front leader Walid Jumblat, al-Mustaqbal Movement and several other Christian MPs and officials.


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