Christian Posts, Presidential Elections at Center of Discussions in Bkirki

The alleged marginalization of Christians in state institutions and the vacuum at Baabda Palace were at the center of discussions that Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi held with top Christian officials on Friday.

“Complaints about appointments in ministries will only end when there is a strong president,” Education Minister Elias Bou Saab, who is a Free Patriotic Movement official, told reporters following talks with al-Rahi in Bkirki.

The minister was referring to claims that Shiite Muslims are being granted the vacant posts of Christian civil servants.

“If we don't agree on a strong and influential president, then we will continue to hear these complaints,” Bou Saab warned.

“Only a strong president resolves these problems,” the minister said. “He will be the president of all Lebanese but he is Christian. So Christians should support him.”

“Our salvation comes through real partnership,” Bou Saab stressed.

The FPM founder, MP Michel Aoun, is a contender backed by Hizbullah. But he wants consensus before his MPs head to the parliament to vote for the new president.

A member of his Change and Reform bloc, Marada chief MP Suleiman Franjieh, has also announced his candidacy, backed by al-Mustaqbal Movement chief Saad Hariri.

Change and Reform MP Ibrahim Kanaan also visited al-Rahi along with Lebanese Forces chief official Melhem Riachi on Friday.

“Christians have always respected the will of others. Now it is time for them to respect our will,” said Kanaan.

Both the FPM and the LF are promoting for the election of Aoun after LF chief Samir Geagea withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed his long-time rival last month.

Kanaan said it is important to hear the opinion of Christians while practicing democracy.

Despite the efforts exerted by the FPM and the LF for consensus around Aoun, Hariri is holding onto the candidacy of Franjieh.

Their differences led to another failed electoral session on Monday as a result of lack of quorum

Among al-Rahi's visitors on Friday were Culture Minister Rony Araiji and Deputy PM Defense Minister Samir Moqbel.

Araiji said the dispute on the posts of Christians in state institutions should be resolved wisely.

He also called for true partnership in civil service.

As for Moqbel, he warned that Lebanon will not survive without a president.

G.K.

D.A.