Report: Parties ‘Delay Differences’ ahead of Consultations

In the wake of Lebanon’s legislative elections that surprisingly created electoral alliances between conflicting political parties, various factions have reportedly started mending relations with their original allies in preparation for the upcoming stage of electing a Speaker and the formation of a new government.

Speaker Nabih Berri has described his meeting with President Michel Aoun on Tuesday as “excellent.” Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri where Geagea also described the meeting as “excellent.” Efforts are ongoing to “mend relations between the LF and Free Patriotic Movement” as the latter seeks to better ties with the Marada Movement, said An Nahar daily.

During his meeting with Aoun, Berri was keen on providing a near consensus on the Parliament Bureau election setting the basis for consensus on the next government. While Hizbullah encourages quick concord on the new government to ensure stability of the country in volatile regional conditions, said the daily.

Although Berri-Aoun talks did not dwell into the candidates’ names for the speakership, premiership or future ministers, but Berri declared that he had “matching” visions with Aoun in that regard.

He even hinted likelihood of holding talks with FPM chief Jebran Bassil, despite the row between the two men, “as an introduction for an agreement.”

On the other hand, Hariri-Geagea meeting at the Center House on Tuesday, came after an eight months boycott between the two men. Relations between the LF and Hariri's al-Mustaqbal Movement were strained after some Mustaqbal officials accused the LF of encouraging Saudi leaders to press Hariri to resign in November.

Furthermore, despite the continued debate between the FPM and LF, the latter’s sources have assured that the Christian reconciliation (in reference to the Maarab Agreement) is steadfast, “there may be some political tension, no more than that,” they said.

Lebanon’s new parliament will hold a session on May 22 to elect a Speaker amid reports that AMAL Movement leader Berri will be re-elected to a sixth term.

Consultations will begin on the formation of a new government afterwards.