REPORT: Patriarch Rai says democratic means should be found to resolve presidential deadlock

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai stressed on Tuesday the necessity of finding democratic means to resolve the country’s current stalemate in terms of the presidential vacuum.

 

Following a meeting with deputies of the March 14 coalition and other independent MPs, Patriarch Rai stressed that any authority that stand in contraditction to the national pact and national coexistence is considered illegitimate.

 

Lawmakers urged Patriarch Rai to hold a meeting in Bkerki with all parties to take the necessary decisions to put an end to the presidential deadlock.

 

They also called for the consideration of the constitutional quorum as the ultimate majority, or what is known as "half-plus-one" following the first electoral session.

The MPs also noted that a committee formed of MP Farid Mekkari, Minister Boutros Harb, MP Georges Adwan, MP Nadim Gemayel, MP Atef Majdalani to coordinate with Speaker Nabih Berri and inform him of the latest developments.

For his part, Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra reiterated the party’s rejection to the presidential vacuum.

He also voiced rejection to attempts to violate the constitution and the national pact.

In turn, MP Atef Majdalani said that the  “presidential elections remain hostage in the hands of Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement.”

Prior to the meeting, Deputy Michel El-Murr stated that the meeting with Patriarch Rai is of utmost importance, reiterating the call for an election.

For his part, Lebanese Forces MP Georges Adwan said that the meeting aims at expressing his party's rejection to the current situation in Lebanon, pointing out that restoring order at institutions is linked to the presidency.

Lebanon officially entered presidential vacuum last year on May 25 after the six-year term of former President Michel Sleiman expired.

Lawmakers have repeatedly failed to choose a successor to the head of state. The impasse highlights the stark political divisions in the country.