Harb to Vote “White” for Berri”s Reelection
MP Boutros Harb announced Wednesday he will cast a white ballot in the election for parliament president in which outgoing Speaker Nabih Berri is running uncontested.
Speaking on the eve of the election, Harb reaffirmed that Berri remains a "friend" explaining "the parliament presidency vote was supposed to be an opportunity to clarify some issues."
Harb told reporters he was opposed to the participation in the new government of ministers who lost as parliamentary candidates in the June 7 elections.
"Such participation contradicts the principles of democracy," he said, quoting MP Michel Aoun”s words following the 2005 elections "when March 14 nominated for government some of its parliamentary candidates who had lost then."
"Allow me to express agreement with General Michel Aoun for once," Harb added.
Harb said he did not object the return of "some of the successful ministers who did not run in the elections."
Following earlier talks with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michele Sison, Harb urged "all political forces, both partisan and non-partisan, to cooperate in securing new and positive climates for Lebanon."
On the new government”s structure, the deputy said: "In principle, a cabinet must be formed of the majority."
Harb said the minority”s participation must take place "in a framework that has nothing to do with veto power of any other formula.
"It should participate according to a clear platform endorsed by the majority and through the participation of a number of ministers."