Mussa: Lebanon in Danger, Can be Saved

Source: Al-Manar TV, 9-1-2008
Arab League chief Amr Moussa said upon his arrival to Beirut's international airport that he has returned to Lebanon to resume efforts to solve the dangerous political crisis. Mussa's visit coincides with a visit by US President George W. Bush to occupied Palestine. Resigned Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh received the Arab leader and praised his efforts "and Arab Foreign Ministers' efforts" to find an exit to the problem in Lebanon. Speaking to reporters, Mussa said that he was optimistic. "Lebanon is in danger, yet saving it is possible. This is Lebanon's responsibility as well as the responsibility of the Arabs." The Arab League Secretary General refrained from tackling the most recent A.L. initiative, saying he still has to meet Lebanese political officials. "There is consensus on the initiative, regional support, international impetus. The whole world in concerned about the situation here," Mussa said before leaving the airport.
The Arab League initiative is based on a three-point plan that calls for the election of army chief General Michel Sleiman, the formation of a national unity government in which no one party has veto power and the adoption of a new electoral law.
The plan is the latest in a string of international proposals to end the stalemate that is threatening the country's stability.
There is speculation that that if Mussa leaves Beirut empty-handed, Saturday's latest parliament session to elect a president would be postponed, possibly until Spring. There is also speculation that the vote may keep getting delayed until the next legislative elections in 2009, when the opposition could win the majority in parliament. Mussa on Wednesday was to meet on his arrival with parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and then with the head of the unconstitutional government Fouad Saniora followed by a meeting with General Sleiman. He is due to leave Lebanon on Saturday.