Head of the Kataeb party Amin Gemayel said Wednesday that the absence of a president hinders Lebanon’s efficient role at Arab and international forums, noting that “this presidential vacuum would not have lasted if it had not been for the coup carried out against the constitution to change the procedure of electing a president.”
In a statement issued following a consultative meeting held at his residence in Sin al-fil, Gemayel expressed his support for the efforts deployed by Prime Minister Tammam Salam in order to create a productive atmosphere during cabinet sessions, adding that this meeting’s objective is to find means to facilitate the state’s affairs.
“This meeting is a national expression to reject the presidential vacuum,” he said.
For his part, Telecommunications Minister Boutros Harb stated that “PM Salam is a friend,” reiterating his complete support for his efforts.
“When all the political parties favor national interest over personal benefits, the cabinet will be capable of continuing its work,” he noted.
The meeting was attended by former President Michel Sleiman, Ministers of Labor Sejaan Azzi, Displaced Alice Chabtini, Defense Samir Moqbel, Information Ramzi Jreij, Youth and Sports Abdel Mottaleb Hennawi and Economy Alain Hakim.
Tourism Minister Michel Pharaon was absent due to travel.