Aoun-Berri Not in Hurry to Reach Compromise, Husseini out of Baalbek Electoral Ticket
Speaker Nabih Berri and Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun were reportedly not in a hurry to reach a compromise on the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The daily As Safir on Friday said both leaders agreed to "take their time and leave things take their political course," particularly since Aoun packed up to leave for Russia, in response to an official invitation.
The paper quoted well-informed sources as saying that a "many" ideas have been proposed by the two sides, adding that one thing is certain: reaching an agreement.
The sources said that in the event that the obstacle on Jezzine was settled, there won”t be any knots in Baabda or elsewhere.
Al Liwaa newspaper, however, said "direct dialogue halted" between Berri and Aoun as Hizbullah was preoccupied with trying to find a face-saving exit to the problem.
It said the Hermel-Baalbek district still witnesses a race between Shiite candidates – ex-Speaker Hussein Husseini and former Baath Party chief Assem Qanso – following the withdrawal of present Baath leader Fayez Shukr.
The paper said Qanso seemed more comfortable with his election status after his return from Damascus and contacts with Hizbullah.
Meanwhile Husseini hinted that his chances to join Hizbullah”s coalition ticket in the Hermenl-Baalbek constituency have decreased.
A statement by his office said Husseini was studying his stance on the elections.