MP Boutros Harb withdraws from the presidential race

 

MP Boutros Harb announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and reiterated his rejection of constitutional amendments.

 

“I will not vote over a constitutional amendment. But, I might vote for Army Commander General Michel Sleiman, if he does not accept any compromise on presidential authorities or accept prior conditions,” Harb said.

 

“I have informed General Sleiman of my stance,” he added.

 

Harb said he will stay within March 14 forces if the operating mode is reconsidered within the coalition. ”There was misconduct in the way General Sleiman was named by March 14, and Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and MP Saad Hariri have acknowledged it,” Harb declared.

 

He also noted that March 14 support for General Sleiman’s candidacy was aimed at ending the present vacuum in the presidency office.

 

“The choice of Sleiman was a Lebanese choice,” Hard noted. “The best way to the constitution is for resigned ministers to return the government,” he added.

 

Commenting on the stance of MP Michel Aoun over the presidential elections, Harb asked whether imposing prior conditions on the coming president will enhance his performance.

 

Aoun is still calling for limiting the term of the coming president to two years, something the majority has strongly objected.

 

“As long as the Amal Movement and Hezbollah are backing Aoun’s choices which are a violation of the constitution, Syria and Iran will be held responsible for obstructing the presidential elections.