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UN tries to break Lebanon impasse UN chief in Lebanon election plea
(about 13 hours later)
UN chief Ban Ki-moon is holding talks in Lebanon to try to break the impasse over electing a new president. UN chief Ban Ki-moon has urged Lebanese MPs to elect a new president on time, warning the country is at a crossroads.
The secretary general is to meet members of the pro-Western government, and officials from Hezbollah, which is backed by Syria and Iran. Mr Ban, who held talks with politicians across the spectrum, said the country was nearing "the brink of the abyss".
On Thursday he met the head of the Maronite Church, Nasrallah Sfeir. President Emile Lahoud's term ends on 23 November and parliament has so far failed to elect a successor. A meeting is expected next week.
Parliament is scheduled to convene by the end of next week to elect a successor to President Emile Lahoud whose term ends on 23 November. Opposing pro and anti-Syrian factions are deadlocked in what is seen as the most serious crisis since 1990.
The vote has already been postponed three times to give rival leaders more time to agree on a candidate. This deadlock has caused the worst internal political crisis in Lebanon since its 1975-90 civil war.
This deadlock has caused the worse internal political crisis in Lebanon since its 1975-90 civil war.
There are fears that the government could split into rival administrations if a candidate cannot be agreed.There are fears that the government could split into rival administrations if a candidate cannot be agreed.
Constitutional procedures Testing time
Speaking at the end of his visit to Lebanon, Mr Ban said parliament must find a solution that has "the broadest possible support".
"The world is looking at Lebanon. This is a critical time for the future of this great country," he said.
"If responsibilities are not shouldered, it might be moved to the brink of the abyss."
The future Lebanese President has to be a Maronite, like Emile Lahoud
Mr Ban was speaking to reporters after meeting both members of the pro-Western government, and officials from Hezbollah, which is backed by Syria and Iran.
On Thursday he met the head of the Maronite Church, Nasrallah Sfeir.
Under Lebanon's power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian.Under Lebanon's power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian.
Mr Ban is bolstering a French-led initiative to break the deadlock.Mr Ban is bolstering a French-led initiative to break the deadlock.
"The election of the new president should take place on time and in accordance with constitutional procedures," Mr Ban said."The election of the new president should take place on time and in accordance with constitutional procedures," Mr Ban said.
"In this endeavour, it is imperative that the parliament convenes in order to elect a new president. The new Lebanese president should enjoy the broadest possible acceptance so that he or she can represent all Lebanese people.""In this endeavour, it is imperative that the parliament convenes in order to elect a new president. The new Lebanese president should enjoy the broadest possible acceptance so that he or she can represent all Lebanese people."
Parliament is scheduled to meet again on 21 November. Mr Lahoud says he will appoint an interim administration, headed by the army chief, if his successor is not in place.Parliament is scheduled to meet again on 21 November. Mr Lahoud says he will appoint an interim administration, headed by the army chief, if his successor is not in place.