NNA - Social Affairs Minister, Wael Abu Faour, described Saturday the meeting between National Struggle Front Head, MP Walid Jumblatt, and former Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, as "very positive". He added that the encounter can be further built upon in order to reach general Lebanese consensus. He also considered Hariri's recently launched initiative as being positive and worthy of discussion at the national level between all Lebanese.


Over Jumblatt's meeting with French President Francois Hollande, Abu Faour noted that the French President is following-up closely on the situation in Lebanon. He referred herein to great French and international concern for Lebanon's stability, and for sparing it repercussions of the crisis in Syria.


Regarding the electoral law, Abu Faour stressed that it has to be one of consensus amongst the Lebanese and never on the basis of one side winning over the other. He added that the electoral law ought to solidify coexistence and reconciliation between the Lebanese, and reflect the spirit of the Taef Accord while catering to the fears and worries of all sides in the country. Abu Faour stressed, herein, on the need to hold parliamentary elections at their set time and date, since any postponement would plunge the country into a state of chaos.


Over the recent attack on the Lebanese Army, Abu Faour strongly denounced such an attack, urging Justice to take strict measures against perpetrators. He offered sincere condolences to Army Command and families of the fallen martyr soldiers in Ersal.


Abu Faour's words came during a visit to "Kamal Jumblatt Social and Cultural Center" in Rashaya on Saturday. Talks with officials tackled general concerns in the country; as well as various educational matters and issues related to the Lebanese University's branch in Rashaya.



=================== R.Sh.