Saniora Begins Tour on March 14 Alliance to Discuss Hariri's Roadmap

Head of al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc MP Fouad Saniora kicked off a tour on March 14 leaders to tackle the roadmap proposed by al-Mustaqbal chief ex-Premier Saad Hariri.

Local newspapers published on Tuesday reported that Saniora and head of the ex-PM's office Nader Hariri began their tour with Kataeb Party leader Amin Gemayel during a meeting held in Bikfaya on Sunday evening.

The two officials are seeking to kickstart Hariri's initiative, in particular, the election of a new president ahead of the parliamentary elections deadline.

Hariri delivered a speech on Friday during which he proposed a roadmap that includes the election of a new president, formation of a new cabinet that is similar to the current one, withdrawal of Hizbullah's fighters from Syria, and establishment of a comprehensive plan to combat terrorism.

He also urged against the extension of parliament's term, but remarked that parliamentary polls should take place after electing a new president.

Kataeb MP Elie Marouni said in comments published in al-Liwaa newspaper that the meeting resulted in a unified point of view between al-Mustaqbal and the Kataeb regarding various political matters, especially the presidential poll.

According to al-Joumhouria newspaper, Saniora and Gemayel stressed during their meeting the importance of ending the rival presidential candidacies between the March 8 and 14 coalitions.

“The presidential vacuum could have been averted and carried out within the constitutional deadline if not for the attitude adopted by some sides and the obstruction of parliamentary sessions,” al-Joumhouria quoted gatherers as saying.

The daily said that Saniora will visit Maarab for talks with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi at his summer residence of Diman in the upcoming two days.

Lebanon has been plunged in vacuum in the presidency since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May.

Geagea has announced his candidacy in the elections, while Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun has said that he will run in the polls if there is consensus over his nomination.

H.K.

M.T.