Italian FM Concerned over Baabda Vacuum, Says Lebanon Can Preserve Coexistence

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who is on an official visit to Beirut, has expressed concern over the presidential crisis in Lebanon.

“A commitment to elect a president concerns all the Lebanese,” Gentiloni told An Nahar daily in an interview published on Tuesday.

“Negotiations between all the political parties should continue to overcome this crisis,” he said.

The Foreign Minister said that during his meeting with top Lebanese officials, he will “urge everyone to guarantee the full functioning of the Lebanese institutions.”

Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended in May last year. Differences between the March 8 and 14 alliances have left Baabda Palace vacant.

The vacuum in the country's top Christian post has also caused a paralysis in parliament and huge differences among cabinet members.

Asked about the threat of terrorism, Gentiloni said: “The battles being fought a few kilometers away from the Lebanese border (with Syria) and the huge pressure caused by the presence of Syrian refugees are the main factors of danger.”

“But we still believe that Lebanon will be able to preserve its coexistence and democracy for its own interest and the interest of the region,” he told An Nahar.

“I am here to stress our commitment and support (to Lebanon) at the security level or on humanitarian issues,” he added.

Gentiloni met with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil on Tuesday. He is expected to hold talks with Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Tammam Salam.

The minister will also visit the South to inspect the Italian contingent operating within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

“Italy's commitment through UNIFIL is part of our historic commitment to Lebanon's security since 1982,” Gentiloni told An Nahar.

“We are very keen on preserving the peacekeeping mission and don't want to give up our contribution,” he said.