Kouchner Predicts Presidential Election on Tuesday

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner wrapped up four days of feverish discussions with Lebanese leaders on settling the nation”s presidential crisis and left after telling the Lebanese they may elect a head of state next Tuesday.

 

“I think that Tuesday you may have a president,” Kouchner told reporters at Beirut”s Rafik Hariri International Airport.

 

“I have accomplished my duty … but what remains is the last little effort for the opposition and majority to agree on forming a team to amend the constitution so that a president can be elected,” Kouchner added.

 

“I know that all the obstacles would be eliminated and, so far, I am happy that the obstacles are being eliminated one after the other,” he added.

 

He said the forthcoming prime minister “must be accepted by the (forthcoming) president”.

 

Kouchner concluded by urging the Lebanese parties to “achieve consensus so that a president could be elected next Tuesday. This is what I wish for and this is what I expect.”

Picure: (AFP/File/Ramzi Haidar)