Gemayel Meets Berri: Electing President Will Restore Lebanon's Role among Int'l Community

Kataeb Party chief Amin Gemayel warned on Saturday that Lebanon is passing through a very difficulty stage, highlighting the need to stage the presidential elections on time.

He said after holding talks on the elections with Speaker Nabih Berri: “The election of a new president will help restore Lebanon's role among the international community.”

He lamented that Lebanon has “been forgotten” by the community, questioning the role of some politicians in contributing to this situation.

“It is unfortunate that Lebanon's absence on the international scene is affecting the outside's trust in it,” Gemayel told reporters at Ain el-Tineh.

Gemayel is reportedly a candidate in the presidential elections that are scheduled for May.

A meeting of Maronite leaders held at Bkirki on Friday stressed the need to hold the presidential elections on time and according to the constitution.

It included Gemayel, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun, and Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea did not attend the talks for “security reasons,” but he said that he will consent to what the gatherers agree upon.

The Bkirki meeting urged the need to elect a president who holds Lebanon's interests at heart and who can effectively carry out his national duties.

They will oppose any concession or settlement that will undermine Lebanon's interests, it added.