"We are very concerned that in the next few weeks Syria or its supporters will attempt to manipulate the outcome through violence, intimidation or an obstinate refusal to participate in the electoral process," the US diplomat said. "This is a government that strives to undermine Lebanon's sovereignty and security through pro-Syrian proxies and partners, a government that continues to harbor and support terrorists and terrorist organizations," Welch added.

Welch Speaks to Senate Middle East Subcommittee
In this atmosphere reflecting a will to salvage the country, US Under-Secretary of State David Welch released a set of opposite positions, especially after Washington had reportedly mandated Paris to iron out a solution to Lebanon's crisis. During a hearing of the Senate Middle East subcommittee Thursday, Welch said that majority vote (half-plus-one) to elect a president was not a precedent in Lebanon. He expressed concern about what he called "Syria and the Lebanese opposition's attempt to hinder the democratic vote." "My sense is that there is a high risk of something to signal the parliament" of Syria's interest in the outcome of presidential elections.

L.A. Envoy Says More Time Needed For Assessment
On the fourth day of his Lebanon tour, it was clear to the deputy secretary general of the Arab league Hisham Youssef that assessing the situation in Lebanon would require some more time. Following his meeting with resigned Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh, Youssef signaled that "doors and windows" are beginning to open up for a solution; however he said that more efforts were still needed to solve the problem. Youssef had earlier met with Hezbollah's deputy secretary general Sheikh Naem Kassem who stressed that the post of president is a Maronite post. Sheikh Kassem added that Hezbollah agrees on what the Maronites agree upon and adheres to consensus. Hezbollah's deputy secretary general said that there is a possibility for a solution to this crisis if the Lebanese vowed to give preference to Lebanon's interests over other interests.

Hariri Supports Bkirki's Position
Close sources to Hariri said that the Lebanese MP was committed to his stances in which he stressed his support to Bkirki concerning the presidential poll. According to observers, this illustrates Hariri's
rejection to the half-plus-one MPs formula and his commitment to the two-quarter quorum for the voting session, especially that Bkirki is committed to this quorum. It also highlights his willingness to accept candidates from outside the February 14 bloc in case Bkirki suggested it. Very close sources to Hariri told Al-Manar TV that the MP is ready to examine names of candidates outside his bloc, however, not before dialogue kicks off.

Berri: Ball in French Court
The Lebanese daily Assafir quoted well informed sources in Beirut as saying that the French will present a list of names of candidates. Based on the answers they will receive from Lebanese parties, some of the names would be excluded from the list. The daily added that later on, the French would study two options: Either to carry the names to Bkirki (the Maronite Church) and ask Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir to choose a candidate, or in case Sfeir refused, the French would carry the names to Speaker Berri and MP Saad Hariri to choose one, two or more names to be later presented to Sfeir. Assafir said that in case Bkirki gave a positive sign, the date for a voting session would be set for sometime between the 14th and 20th of November. Ain el-Tini visitors quoted Berri as saying that the ball is now in the French court adding that he warned against undermining French efforts in Lebanon. The always-optimistic Speaker said in case agreement was reached after next Monday, he would set a date for the voting session.