Geagea Meets al-Rahi, Says Aoun Should Change Stances to Improve

Chances of Becoming President

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea

stated on Friday that the election of a new

president lies in the hands of lawmakers,

not regional powers, noting that the

breakthrough in reaching an agreement

over Iran's nuclear program may positively

affect Lebanon.

He said after holding talks with Maronite

Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi at Bkirki: “In

principle, there is nothing stopping Free

Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel

Aoun from becoming president, but we have to take into consideration his political platform.”

He added: “The Lebanese should not believe that the nuclear deal with Iran will reflect

positively on us. Only the Lebanese can bring about positive developments, particularly over

the presidential elections.”

“The other camp has unfortunately maintained its political positions,” continued the LF leader.

“I don't believe that the elections will be held anytime soon,” Geagea told reporters, while

urging the political powers to change their stances and head to the polls.

Aoun's Change and Reform and Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance blocs have been

boycotting the presidential elections over a dispute with the March 14 camp over a

compromise candidate.

Addressing the LF dialogue with the FPM, Geagea stated: “Our talks are tackling various issues.”

“We have disagreed on certain affairs, but we are trying to resolve them. We have however

reached an agreement on others,” he revealed.

“We are working on the basis that a meeting with Aoun will take place at some point,” he

remarked.

Source: http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/174134