The Lebanese Presidency’s media advisor, Mr. Rafic Chelala, clarified through a radio interview, that the President’s invitation to heads of Parliamentary blocs to meet at Baabda Palace, next Wednesday, aims at informing them of the reform program which was approved yesterday by the Cabinet, which includes a series of measures to address the economic conditions, and the country’s finances.
Mr. Chelala said that “Invitations were sent to the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, and heads of Parliamentary Blocs: Najib Mikati, Saad Hariri, Gebran Bassil, Walid Joumblat, Suleiman Franjieh, Samir Geagea, Mohammed Raad, Sami Gemayel, Hagop Pakradounian, Assaad Hardan, Talal Arslan, and Faisal Karami (representing the Consultative Gathering Bloc)”.
Chelala also clarified that “It is not the first time that President Aoun has invited heads of Parliamentary Blocs to Baabda Palace to discuss joint stages in the Lebanese political life, as the President has previously called for similar meetings to consult in national affairs out of his keenness to continuously communicate with political leaders in all what is related to the future of the country. Especially since the reform plan which was approved by the Cabinet yesterday, is considered one of the important and fundamental issues in the Lebanese life, especially in light of the economic crisis. This requires concerted national efforts to get out of it, away from political differences or divergence of views, according to what the President asserted on more than one occasion”.
In response to a question, Chelala stressed that “Next Wednesday’s meeting will include a detailed explanation of the reform plan that was approved by numerous relevant experts, provided that this is followed by listening to the views of those present regarding the content of the plan”.
Responding to another question, Chelala considered that “The call of head of Parliamentary blocs falls within the framework of cooperation between constitutional authorities, according to what was mentioned in the Introduction of the Lebanese Constitution”.