Al-Hayat reports obstacles to announcing March 14 electoral lists

 
13-4-2009

Al-Hayat's Monday edition reported that the announcement of the March 14 alliance's electoral lists had been delayed because of an unresolved issue relating to the two Armenian seats in the Beirut I district.

The daily added that the matter would be resolved on Tuesday during a meeting to be held between Lebanese Forces Executive Council leader Samir Geagea, a delegation of Armenian parties and organizations associated with the March 14 alliance. The delegation is reported to be planning to request the LF to withdraw its candidate, Serge Torsarkissian, so that Minister of State Jean Ogassapian does not face competition for the Armenian Orthodox seat, after Ramgavar MP Agop Kassardjian withdrew, the daily said.

Al-Hayat also said the delay in announcing the electoral list of the alliance between the Future movement, former Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Economy and Trade Minister Mohammad al-Safadi in Tripoli was related to difficulties reaching an agreement over the Donniyeh-Minyeh district in the North. The daily said that this was related to the current negotiations between Future leader MP Saad Hariri and al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, which are to be resolved in a meeting in Qoreitem on Tuesday evening.