BEIRUT, 13 May 2005 — Lebanon’s anti-Syrian opposition met yesterday for talks in an attempt to bridge growing divisions ahead of polls set to begin May 29.
Cracks have appeared in the opposition’s previously united front following the return last Saturday of hardline Christian General Michel Aoun after 14 years of exile in France, and amid disagreement on an electoral law outlining constituency boundaries.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the main anti— Syrian opposition blocs but was however marred from the outset by the absence of important political figureheads.
Among those not attending the meeting were Aoun, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, former President Amin Gemayel and Sunni candidate Saadeddin Hariri, the son of slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Those present at the meeting had shortly after it opened called for urgent talks between Jumblatt, Aoun, Hariri and Strieda Geagea, the wife of jailed Christian warlord Samir Geagea, in order to “reunite the opposition forces” and adopt a common strategy for the four-stage elections.
Also yesterday, Druze deputy Marwan Hamadeh said following private talks with Aoun that “sacrifices must be made to secure our independence and keep unity between Christians and Muslims.”
