Lebanon Christian leader says ending political deadlock key to war truce

The head of a major Christian party in politically deadlocked Lebanon said Saturday that electing a new president was key to obtaining a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon has been without a head of state for almost two years amid a crushing economic crisis and, now, as Israel heavily bombards the country saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites.

Hezbollah allies and their adversaries including the Christian Lebanese Forces party have been deadlocked over the presidency, unable to reach a consensus. The head called for "a credible president who commits clearly to implementing international resolutions, in particular resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701, in all their provisions".