Skaff Cancels Press Conference

Head of the Popular Bloc MP Elias Skaff canceled a press conference scheduled for Thursday at his office in Zahle and stressed the need to safeguard stability in the eastern city, Voice of Lebanon radio station reported.

 

After Skaff”s announcement, Phalange party and Lebanese Forces supporters moved a sit-in they intended to hold in front of the Popular Bloc offices in Zahle to the cemeteries where victims Nasri Marouni and Salim Assi were laid to rest.

 

An Nahar newspaper said contacts and mediation efforts were underway Wednesday evening to soothe the tense situation and prevent any unanticipated consequences.

 

Zahle Patriarch Gregorios III Lahham instructed former ambassador Fouad al-Turk to carry out the mediation efforts, An Nahar said.

 

Phalange party leader Amin Gemayel on Tuesday accused Skaff of “advance knowledge” of the Zahle crime and urged him to turn the culprits in to justice.

 

Gemayel warned Skaff not to get himself, his supporters and the Zahle area involved “in a battle that is much bigger than you. Do not try to play with fire for you know what the Phalange Party is.”

 

He also urged him to “turn the culprits in, without delay, and we will be ready to confront anything.”