Beirut (AsiaNews) – A UN Security Council declaration urging that the election of the president of the Republic take place according to the Constitution and without outside interference and the meeting between the leader of the parliamentary majority, Saad Hariri, and Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir currently appear the principal events of the tormented political situation in Lebanon.
The leader of the “March 14th” group’s visit to the Cardinal yesterday afternoon lasted over an hour. Both Hariri and the patriarch, defined as the “spiritual father of all Lebanese”, expressed optimism as they emerged from the private talk; Hariri declaring “complete accord” on issues discussed, while according to the patriarch goodwill was expressed as well as the decision to save the nation. Hariri declared his support for all valid initiatives to establish dialogue and said he was convinced that the new head of state will be chosen within the terms set out by the Constitution. Hariri then denied that names were discussed with the patriarch as well as rumours of division within the ruling majority, reiterating full unity in particular with the Druze leader Walid Joumblattand with the military Chief , Samir Geagea.
For its part in a unanimous declaration the Security Council affirmed that the election of the president of the Republic must take place “ without any outside pressure whatsoever, in full respect and observance of Lebanese sovereignty, based on national unity and in an atmosphere free from violence, fear and intimidation”. The Security Council’s declaration echoes that of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, France and the Arab League who also speak of free and fair elections, without external conditions, but goes further in calling regional countries to task.
Only one response to the United Nations has so far been forthcoming from Speaker, Nabih Berri, according to whom, “with the greatest respect for the Security Council” the people of Lebanon “do not allow any external force to interfere in internal questions or the parliamentary process”.