Berri: Saniora Lapses Aimed to Damage Solution Efforts

Source: Al Manar TV, 16-04-2008
Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri announced from Qatar that he adheres to his initiative more than ever before, in the wake of flows of criticism by Lebanon's ruling bloc to him. Berri said that (the head of the unconstitutional government Fouad) "Saniora's lapses on his recent tour are aimed to cut the road on inter-Lebanese dialogue and any possible solution or settlement to the ongoing crisis in the country." The Speaker added that he understands positions that back, reject or express reservation on his call to sit at a round table before necessary Arab deliberations are concluded. "However I understand the most the concern about this initiative and the attack on it which made more willing to adhere to it in order to establish a Lebanese-Lebanese dialogue that would meet the Arab initiative half-way. I believe that the salvation of Lebanon is not only through the election of a president, which is a necessity, but the formation of a national unity government."
But parallel to the efforts by Berri, and the Lebanese opposition in general, to save Lebanon from a crippling crisis, the US has other plans for the country: Never mind Lebanon, Saniora must stay.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said that Washington's priority "is to keep Saniora as head of the democratically elected government...and that he acts according to the powers granted to him and the president. Even the issue of the next parliamentary elections (2009) is not a priority for us. We would welcome any formula that guarantees the extension of the current parliament's mandate," Rice added according to the source.
At a news conference in London on sidelines of a book fair Monday, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa warned that the situation in Lebanon could deteriorate soon.
"Time is short before things in Lebanon deteriorate to what is worst," Moussa said.
Speaking to the Ashark Al-Awsat daily, the Arab chief said that there are many complications in Lebanon, "but there is no need to despair since there is always hope in the horizon."
Moussa stressed holding a meeting for Arab Foreign Ministers over Lebanon was "inappropriate and futile," adding that there is no formal request in this regard.
Saniora, who boycotted the Arab Summit in Damascus, had called for a meeting of Arab FMs to discuss Lebanon's crisis.