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September 5, 2008 8:40:32 PM CDT

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Lebanon Backs General as Prez Candidate

Posted Dec 3, 07 4:15 AM CST in World 

(Newser) – The Lebanese government is attempting to clear a deadlock over who will run the nation by approving Lebanon's army chief as a presidential candidate. Gen. Michel Suleiman has provisional support from both the right-wing Christian ruling party and the Hezbollah-led opposition. His selection would require a constitutional amendment endorsed by the cabinet, because retiring public servants are required to wait two years before becoming president.

Lebanon has been without a leader since the previous president's term ended last month, while the pro-Western government and Syria-backed opposition sparred over the office. Suleiman's Christian opponent supports the general's candidacy, but has requested he step down four years early, in 2009, and that the prime minister be party neutral. A vote is scheduled for Friday.

Sources BBC, Reuters

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Emile Lahoud, right, whose term as president of Lebanon expired November 23, shakes hands with Army commander Gen. Michel Suleiman, left, in this picture taken on Thursday Nov. 22, 2007. Suleiman has...   (Associated Press)
Army commander, Gen. Michel Suleiman salutes during a ceremony in the Christian town of Jounieh, Lebanon in this Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 file photo. The largest bloc in Lebanon's deadlocked parliament...   (Associated Press)
Army commander, Gen. Michel Suleiman listens during a ceremony in the Christian town of Jounieh, Lebanon in this Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 file photo. The largest bloc in Lebanon's deadlocked parliament...   (Associated Press)
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