Rivals Hold Meeting after Dialogue Session as Franjieh Says 'Optimistic' on Promotions

The heads of the parliamentary blocs kicked off three days of national dialogue on Tuesday with talks over the country's various political and social crises, as one of them voiced “optimism” about the possibility of reaching a deal on the thorny issue of military promotions.

“I'm now more optimistic about the possibility of reaching a solution to the promotions crisis,” said Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh as he left the dialogue session that was held in the evening.

State-run National News Agency said the dialogue session was followed by a side meeting between Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam, al-Mustaqbal bloc chief MP Fouad Saniora, Change and Reform bloc secretary MP Ibrahim Kanaan, and the ministers Butros Harb and Michel Pharaon.

LBCI television said the meeting tackled the issue of military promotions.

“Tomorrow's dialogue session will be dedicated to the discussion of the characteristics of the new president,” said Harb after the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Kataeb Party chief MP Sami Gemayel said there is an inclination to press on with the emergency waste management plan proposed by Agriculture Minister Akram Shehayyeb and a team of experts.

Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun attended the morning dialogue session but skipped the evening one over unclear reasons. Some media reports said Aoun missed the session due to “health reasons” as others mentioned political dismay.

Change and Reform sources had told al-Akhbar newspaper that their opponents are preventing Aoun from making any gains.

Tuesday's “session could be the last if there was no clear answer on the settlement” reached between Aoun and several officials on the promotion of military officers, they said.

Speaker Berri has set three days of sessions starting Tuesday.

The meeting was preceded by a closed-door meeting between the FPM chief and the speaker during which the two officials discussed a possible political settlement and the promotion of three generals.

Berri is working on the promotions file with Progressive Socialist Party chief MP Walid Jumblat, while an agreement on the issue was reached on Monday between Hizbullah and the Mustaqbal Movement.

Aoun did not attend the evening dialogue session due to health reasons and not because of any political debate or dispute, MTV reported. He was represented by Kanaan in the meeting.

LBCI earlier said that Aoun rejects any settlement if the Consultative Gathering and Kataeb party keep opposing it.

Last week, Aoun threatened to boycott the national dialogue chaired by Berri following reports that the deal included the appointment of an Internal Security Forces chief.

Despite efforts exerted by several officials to appease Aoun by denying such reports, the cabinet has not yet met to approve the promotion of three senior army officers, among them Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz, to the rank of major general.

Roukoz is the son-in-law of Aoun who wants to keep him in the military institution so that he reaches the post of the army leadership.

The promotion of the officer, who is set to retire on October 15, is rejected by several factions represented in the cabinet.

But Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbas said that if a large number of ministers approved Roukoz' promotion, then the decision would be considered legal.

Asked by al-Akhbar about hints made by Kataeb party ministers that they would resign in case of a promotion, Derbas said: “This government is formed in a very sensitive way.”

“It will fracture if we remove a single stone from it. We can't let go of any minister,” he added.

Derbas also told Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5) that a simple majority is enough to promote the military officers.

“Even if I were against the promotion, I will have to accept it,” he said.

G.K./M.T./Y.R.