General Emile Lahoud, President of the Republic of Lebanon

President of the Republic General Emile Lahoud has assessed the general situation in the country with Speaker of the House Nebih Berri, who said afterwards talks focused on the aftermath of the resignation of the government of Omar Karami adding that “the president is concerned about the present national situation and is still awaiting underway consultations by various blocs to call for parliamentary consultations to nominate a prime minister designate. As you all know, underway consultations continue by the so called Ain-Teeneh and Bristol Gatherings, and nce these preliminary consultations come to an end, I agreed with his Excellency to get in touch again to set a formal date for the start of parliamentary consultations as stated by the Lebanese constitution.”

Replying to a question, Speaker Berri said “I have warned on many occasions of a possible power vacuum, and it is time now that everyone ought to assume his national responsibilities.”

Daily Press Release March 2, 2004
SOURCE; Welcome to the Presidential Palace