MP Khalil: Attempts to abort Berri Initiative

Source: Al Manar TV, 16-04-2008
MP Ali Hassan Khalil of Berri's Development and Liberation bloc said some media outlets have tried to establish a link between Berri's visit to Cairo and talk of forming an interim government headed by the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Michel Suleiman, that would see the country through to parliamentary elections in 2009.
"Such talk is unrelated to the truth and is aimed at distorting the success of Berri's visit to Egypt," Khalil said. "It is also aimed at creating sectarian tension and is an attempt to abort Berri's initiative to find a solution through dialogue," he added. Khalil also reiterated Berri's support for Suleiman's presidential candidacy.
On Friday, Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun was quoted as proposing a compromise based on appointing Lebanese Army Commander General Michel Suleiman head of an interim cabinet that would sponsor parliamentary elections.
However, Suleiman has rejected the proposal, saying such a move averts efforts aimed at facilitating the election of the army commander president.
Suleiman, who was scheduled to retire on November 21, insisted that he would leave his post on August 21.