Beirut (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Lebanon is facing a potential power vacuum after its president left office with no elected successor. Before he walked out, pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud said that the army should take charge.
But prime minister Fouad Siniora rejected the presidential initiative, recalling that under the constitution he and his cabinet are temporarily in power. The crisis has raised fears of civil strife,
tension is palpable on the streets, with the army deployed in force and schools and shops closed.
The latest in a series of attempts to find a new president failed yesterday, when the presidential vote was scuppered after the pro-Syrian opposition did not allow the necessary quorum to be achieved. A new vote has been scheduled for 30 November.
Washington has urged all parties to remain calm and said that under the constitution the Lebanese cabinet should "temporarily assume executive powers and responsibilities until a new president is elected". In response Lahoud issued a statement saying that "There are conditions and risks on the ground that could lead to a state of emergency”. However, constitutionally Lahoud could not call for a state of emergency without the backing of the government he did not recognise.
Siniora’s reply pointed out that: "The statement issued by the general directorate of the president of the republic is not valid and is unconstitutional. It is as if the statement was never issued."
