As requested by Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General, travelled to Lebanon to ascertain political leaders’ opinions on the approaching presidential election and to explore for solutions to the country’s political impasse.
This resulted from the Arab League’s desire to keep up with Lebanon in all relevant areas and their awareness of the potentially dangerous effects of the country entering a presidential void in the event that no candidate is elected before the constitutional deadline of this month, which expires on the 31st.
The personal representative of the Secretary-General began his visit by meeting with leaders of parliamentary blocs from all political stripes, including President Nabih Berri, Speaker of Parliament and leader of the Amal Movement, Mr. Gibran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, Mr. Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces Party, Mr. Walid Jumblatt, leader of the Progressive Party, Mr. The Socialist, and Mr.
Along with a handful of opposition and independent MPs, Sami Gemayel, the leader of the Kataeb Party, was present.
In addition, Zaki spoke with Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib and visited with President General Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Zaki listened to numerous viewpoints during these conversations about the approaching presidential election and the consequences of creating a presidential vacancy, particularly given the little amount of time left to execute this election on time.
Following Al-Zubarah, Ambassador Hossam Zaki stated that he perceived a significant difference in political leaders’ points of view as well as a lack of effective communication between them, which could put the nation in a very difficult situation—especially given the international focus on the Ukrainian crisis.
The Assistant Secretary-General further stated that given the severe economic crisis Lebanon is undergoing, which has adversely affected both the social situation in the nation and the living conditions of its citizens, none of Lebanon’s admirers or supporters can tolerate the state of “getting used to the crisis” or accepting the current presidential vacancy.
In his interviews, Zaki urged all political figures to present the national interest, come together, and establish channels of consultation in order to reach an agreement on this crucial constitutional right. He emphasised that there is no time to waste and that relying solely on external solutions will not help resolve the crisis given the intense tension on the international stage and the worsening of global crises.
In light of the fact that all the parties he met hailed the Arab League’s assistance for Lebanon at this crucial time, Zaki emphasised the Arab League’s readiness to take on whatever role demanded of it to aid Lebanon in resolving its political issue.
Hossam Zaki: The absence of a president is too much for Lebanon.
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