Feltman: Christians were deprived of their political role

 

US Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman met today with Kataeb Supreme Leader Amin Gemayel and discussed the latest developments in Lebanon, especially the presidential elections.

 

“President Gemayel and I agreed that prolonged vacancy in the presidency is unacceptable; unacceptable politically and unacceptable confessionally,” said Feltman.

 

“The vacancy caused by the refusal of some members of parliament to exercise their responsibility to vote needs to be filled as quickly as possible,” he added.

 

“We are confident that Lebanese members of parliament, if permitted to vote freely, will elect a president committed to Lebanon”s unity, sovereignty and democracy, and to upholding Lebanon”s constitution and independence,” Feltman declared.

 

He also noted that the US didn’t name a candidate, for the election is a Lebanese concern. “The United States has intentionally not advocated any candidates, nor have we dismissed any attempts to come to a solution via dialogue,” Feltman said.

 

He also noted that the US supported the Patriarch’s list. “Unfortunately, these efforts have all failed. Lebanon today is without a president.”

 

“Sadly, those who have refused to go to parliament to vote have deprived Lebanon of its head of state and have deprived the Christians of their proper political role,” he noted.