Berri Says Polls Will Take Place Despite Security Fears
Speaker Nabih Berri voiced optimism Sunday that the elections will take place on June 7 as scheduled and will bring Lebanon closer to "more democracy and dialogue."
"We are all on the same page and there is no alternative to consensus and mutual understanding," said Berri during a banquet thrown in his honor by Lebanon”s ambassador to Oman.
He reassured the Lebanese that the elections "will take place on time despite rumors of possible postponement and concerns that the military establishment will not be able to maintain security during the one-day polls." He said risk assessment "will be left for security and military leaders."
Berri also accused some politicians of "bribery and obstructing the constitutional council to prevent it from reviewing past breaches."
On Saturday, Berri praised MP Walid Jumblat”s "courage and better sense of judgment," An-Nahar newspaper reported Sunday.
Berri said "it was not strange that Jumblat has mastered the arts of the political game in Lebanon."
"There is no alternative to a government of national unity. Let us resolve our disputes within the framework of such a government instead of (taking the battle to) the streets," Berri said. "This is what will happen after June 7," he added.
Berri said that during last week”s national dialogue he "assured the participants that they will be part of the next unity government."