Lebanese politicians have been holding consultations to establish a specialized council to put a stop to constant violations of the Taef Accord, informed political sources revealed on Sunday.
The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the consultations, held between former presidents, speakers and prime ministers along with prominent political figures, have progressed greatly.
“The talks held to discuss the creation of the council are mainly attended by former presidents Amin Gemayel and Michel Suleiman, former speaker Hussein al-Husseini and former prime ministers Najib Mikati, Fouad Saniora and Tammam Salam, in addition to independent figures such as Butros Harb, Farid Makari and Tarek Mitri,” the sources said.
The officials agree that there is a need for such a body to stop what they consider as extreme violations of the Taef Agreement.
“The council should regulate constitutional institutions based on the separation of powers,” the sources explained.
The Taef Agreement was reached to end Lebanon’s civil war. It was signed in 1989 in the town of Taef, Saudi Arabia, under the auspices of Riyadh.
Sources said there is a need for Lebanon to dissociate itself from regional conflicts and divisions, and instead work on strengthening national unity.
Separately, the three former PMs, Salam, Siniora and Mikati were expected in Saudi Arabia Sunday, on a visit, which sources said was part of consultations with the Saudi leadership on the ongoing regional developments.
Before taking off to Riyadh, the three ex-PMs met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri in Beirut.
