UN worried by Lebanon presidential vote
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said Wednesday he was “extremely concerned” about Lebanon”s delay in choosing a president and has spoken to the country”s political rivals to press for a swift resolution.
Lebanon”s parliament is scheduled to meet Friday to approve army chief Gen. Michel Suleiman as a compromise candidate for the presidency after months of wrangling that has left the country in a political vacuum. But a leading member of the parliamentary majority accused the pro-Syria opposition this week of raising new obstacles to the election.
Lebanon”s parliament is scheduled to meet Friday to approve army chief Gen. Michel Suleiman as a compromise candidate for the presidency after months of wrangling that has left the country in a political vacuum. But a leading member of the parliamentary majority accused the pro-Syria opposition this week of raising new obstacles to the election.
Ban has spoken in recent days with Western-backed Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, majority leader Saad Hariri and opposition-aligned Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to urge a solution, according to a statement released by his office.
“The secretary-general is extremely concerned about the continuing delay in the election of a new president in Lebanon,” the statement said. “He believes it is now time for this matter to be resolved without delay.”
On Tuesday, Marwan Hamadeh, minister of telecommunications, blamed new snags mainly on Christian opposition leader Gen. Michel Aoun, who had been a presidential hopeful before switching to support for the army chief.
Aoun insisted Monday the rival sides should reach a “political understanding” on a future Cabinet before moving to Suleiman”s election.
On Wednesday, Saniora said the vote should not be shackled “with obstacles and conditions.” But he also said he was “confident we are on the verge and at the beginning of a solution.”