Al-Rahi: I Have Not Rejected Nomination of Any March 8, 14 Presidential Candidate
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi stressed on Friday the need to stage the presidential elections on time, saying that he does not have the right to interfere in the elections.
He said upon his return to Lebanon from a trip to Geneva: “I have not rejected the nomination of any March 8 or 14 camp presidential candidate and I do not have the right to refuse any bid.”
Parliament alone has the right to approve or reject a nomination, he remarked to reporters from Rafik Hariri International Airport.
“Parliament alone elects a president,” he said.
“I advocate any president that is elected by the parliament and I will not veto any candidate,” al-Rahi added.
“We welcome any president who enjoys parliament's consensus, regardless if they support the March 8 or 14 camps,” said the patriarch.
“We must respect the constitution as it represents Lebanon's backbone,” he said, while urging officials to hold consultations to stage the elections.
Moreover, al-Rahi rejected any presidential vacuum or attempts to create vacuum in the presidential post.
“We respect the constitution and would accept amending it only if the need arises,” he stated.
President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ends in May but the Constitution states that the parliament should choose a new head of state within a two-month period, which started on March 25.
Speaker Nabih Berri is likely to call for a parliamentary session on April 22 or 23 to elect a new president, As Safir newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea is the only official to so far announce his candidacy.
Lebanese media have in recent weeks identified other presidential hopefuls as Kataeb party leader and ex-President Amin Gemayel, MPs Butros Harb and Robert Ghanem, who are like Geagea members of the March 14 alliance.
Other potential candidates are Hizbullah allies Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun and Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh.
M.T.
S.D.B.
10 years
@Canadian
he claims he does not interfere in the lection why then is he saying now he has not rejected any candidate?
it does not make sense.
from his statements I am not even sure he can handle religious affairs let alone politics
10 years
Good because these arnt matters of the cloth. The cloth of your cloak or any turban.
10 years
hello m11er
how are you today?
10 years
He's waiting for GMA's nomination is what he's saying ;)))
10 years
M11er
by the way I am Christian and when Rahi was elected I viewed him as a strong and capable man giving the Christians that much needed moral boost. As of now I don't think I agree with his statements nor do I think he is capable of providing the Christians any moral support
10 years
Peacelover
I don't think he is arrogant but I don't think he has the capabilities or skills to be a leader
10 years
I am doing ok thanks
change of plans I will be going to Miami for business before I go back home. I am still in Beirut and will know by net week when I will be leaving
10 years
Are you in Cancun or not yet?
10 years
joking???
10 years
FD
where u going next week?
10 years
right on FD
I realize previous Batraks had a lot to do in the establishment and the foundations of the country. But we are in a time whereby to pursue what previous Batraks have done for Lebanon we MUST separate religion from politics otherwise this country is doomed. I think it is great time for the new generation to take over along with their new views
10 years
Have a strawberry or peach margaritas at the Americana they are outstanding ")
10 years
welcome friend
10 years
FD
where do you live?
10 years
very cool
I do hope business is treating you decently
ever swing by Southern Calif>
10 years
I live like 80 miles north of SD in Newport beach
10 years
I totally understand you for not going back to Beirut
to be candid I am seriously considering to never come back at least in the near future. I am seriously considering liquidating every thing and leaving Every time I come back to Lebanon I see it further regressing....
10 years
FD
Cool you know the area man
visit us...lol and reminisce..lol
10 years
Maybe he is a good man. But he is failing miserably.
Besides it is great time we move to the 21sr century
10 years
Well spoke SF, thank you.
Exactly. Well said.