Lebanese need more time to reach consensus - EU Troika

(with photos) BEIRUT, Nov 22 (KUNA) -- Visiting foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) Troika Bernard Kouchner - of France, Massimo D'Alema - of Italy, and Miguel Angel Moratinos - of Spain, said hereThursday evening they believed the Lebanese leaders needed more time to reach consensus on the new president.
Wrapping up their visit to Lebanon, the three ministers urged the Lebanese leaders to pursue dialogue in order to break the deadlock as soon as possible.
They hailed what they called "the new promising elements" in the initiative just declared by chairman of the Free Patriotic Movement and Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun.
Through his last-ditch effort, Aoun indicated the withdrawal of his own nomination for the post of president, Kouchner noted in a press briefing.
The Lebanese leaders can decide their future head of state and the European can only back their decision.
The EU tries to help Lebanon to be a free independent and sovereign country, Kouchner added.
For his part, Moratinos urged the Lebanese leaders to pursue dialogue as a means of solving the stalemate.
The Lebanese leaders must keep aware of the need to reach consensus and work together in this direction, the Spanish minister pointed out.
Meanwhile, Massimo D'Alema downplayed the possibility of agreement on a new president during Friday meeting of the Lebanese parliament.
He hailed Aoun's initiative, adding that the parliamentary majority took it seriously and were preparing their reply.
The visit of the Troika foreign ministers to Lebanon indicates the EU keenness on stability, independence and sovereignty of Lebanon, the Italian minister underscored.
During their one-day stay here the three ministers met Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Al-Saniora, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Chairman of the Future Movement Saad Al-Hariri and Aoun.
Incumbent President Emile Lahoud's term expires on Friday midnight but rival anti and pro-Syrian camps have failed so far to agree on a consensus candidate despite French-led mediation efforts. (end) ayb.gb.
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