Suleiman to Continue as 'Political Reference': I Am Liberated From Extension Hurdle

President Michel Suleiman expressed content on Saturday to leave the presidential palace as his term approaches its end amid controversy of extension, and affirmed that he will continue his political work as a “political reference.”

“I am relaxed and happy because I will be leaving the presidential palace. I liberated myself from what is called the extension and renewal of my term, and filling in the post in case of vacuum as some are suggesting,” Suleiman told al-Liwaa daily.

“I am not concerned with talks circulated abroad that a crisis could emerge in the presidential post, calling for reopening the file of extending or renewing the term” of the current president he stressed.

Suleiman pointed out that although some of his aides and advisers allude that extending his term could be a solution to the crisis, “but I reiterated to al-Liwaa previously that I will not take responsibility for this kind of talk.”

Furthermore, Suleiman addressed parties rejecting an extension to his term, saying: “I assure those who refuse to extend my term, as if blaming me for my latest national stances and constants, I will not relinquish them not today nor tomorrow nor after that as long as I have a strong belief in them.”

Suleiman had reiterated that he will be at his home on May 25, as his term ends on May 24 when he is scheduled to deliver a farewell speech.

Nonetheless, Suleiman reiterated that he will continue to be a political reference without running in the parliamentary elections.

Parliament has so far failed to elect a new president over differences between the March 8 and 14 alliances.

Most of the March 8 camp's MPs have boycotted four rounds of elections over their call for an agreement on a consensual president and their rejection of the candidacy of their foe Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea.

A fifth round of polls is scheduled to be held next Thursday, two days before the expiry of Suleiman's six-year tenure.

D.A.

M.T.