Aoun stresses absolute priority of electing new Lebanese Pres.

BEIRUT, Oct 7 (KUNA) -- Lebanon's President Michel Aoun prioritized absolutely electing a new leader of the country Friday.
While receiving Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League Hosam Zaki, Aoun affirmed that the existence of a president is necessary to form a new government not the contrary, Lebanese presidency said in a statement.
The complete national partnership can be achieved only in the presence of the president to maintain the country's unity, Aoun added.
He indicated that Lebanon is waiting for the outcome of the contacts conducted by the US mediator, Amos Hochstein, with the Israelis to determine the indirect negotiations to demarcate the southern border.
Meanwhile, Zaki said his visit to Beirut shows the League's concern with situation in Lebanon mainly that is related to the eventful presidential election.
He underlined importance of selecting a new leader of the country and everyone's cooperation to achieve this end.
He said that it is imperative to achieve a consensus regarding the Lebanese president to avoid any concern, because Lebanon at these circumstances does not need a presidential vacuum.
Zaki emphasized that the Arab League fully supports all steps taken by Lebanon to preserve its rights in terms of demarcating the maritime borders with Israel.
Zaki also met caretaker Prime Minster Najib Mikati and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri as well as heads of the parliamentary blocs. (end) kbs.hm