The Lebanese Presidency kicked off Tuesday preparations for holding a “comprehensive national meeting” scheduled for June 25 to discuss political, economic and financial issues as officials carried out numerous meetings to contain mounting tensions.
Presidential sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meeting will be held at the Presidential Palace in Baabda at the proposal of President Michel Aoun following talks with Prime Minister Hassan Diab and Speaker Nabih Berri on the latest developments in the country.
The sources said former presidents and prime ministers, the heads of political parties and parliamentary blocs and the deputy speaker would be invited.
Deputy Speaker Elie Ferzli told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meeting “would discuss the political, economic, financial and monetary crises in the country.”
Asked if political leaders would attend this meeting, Ferzli said: “They should comply with this invitation at this sensitive phase. Those who will refuse to attend will be held responsible for their decision.”
MP Eli Hankash, of the Kataeb, told Asahrq Al-Awsat that the party would positively receive the invitation. “A final decision would be taken during a party meeting,” he said.
The Lebanese Forces (LF) echoed the same position.
“The decision of our participation would be taken later after consultations between the bloc and the party,” LF media and communication official Charles Jabbour told Asahrq Al-Awsat.
On Tuesday, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri visited Berri at his Ain-el-Tineh residence to discuss the current situation and the latest developments in the country.
In a joint statement, the pair affirmed that preserving civil peace is the top priority, highlighting the need to intensify efforts to thwart any attempt to sow sedition.
They also condemned attacks on public and private properties and insults against religious figures.
Earlier this month, hundreds of protesters took to the streets to voice outrage over the government’s handling of a deep economic crisis, with security forces firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them. The protests then turned violent when clashes erupted between supporters and opponents of the Hezbollah party.
Last week in downtown Beirut, dozens of young men on motorcycles caused extensive damage to shops and set a local bank branch on fire as they vented their anger over the stifling crisis.
