Tashnak, Murr “will run on same slate” in 2009 legislative elections
MP Hagop Pakradounian, head of Tashnak, the largest Armenian bloc in Lebanon”s Parliament, underlined the "historic alliance which dates as far back as 45 years" between his community and powerful Metn MP Michel Murr following a meeting between the two on Thursday.
Pakradounian said that Tashnak and Murr would be running on the same slate for seats in the Metn area in the 2009 parliamentary elections.
Concerning the recently tense relations between Murr and Christian opposition leader MP Michel Aoun Pakradounian said he could not understand "why people are making a big deal out of this," adding: "There has never been any rivalry between Murr and Aoun."
Murr and Aoun did not need "intermediaries to solve their differences," Pakradounian said, "because their relationship is older than Aoun”s relationship with the Tashnak."
Murr also publicly announced his alliance with the Tashnak for the 2009 polls. The MP added that he had "no major problem" with Aoun.
Murr ended his alliance with the Change and Reform bloc earlier this year, saying he "always favored middle positions."
"There is no disappointment and thus no need for reconciliation," Murr said. "I am independent in politics. I am not accustomed to adhering to parties and I did not leave the bloc to enter another bloc."
Murr added that he had information that a new cabinet would be formed in the coming 24 hours, but did not rule out that it might take longer.
On the phone conversation between Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday, Murr said the move was "an excellent and important step."