Gemayel supports Karam for Koura by-elections

Former President Amin Gemayel, head of the Kataeb Party, endorsed Thursday the LF’s candidate for a by-election in Koura next month. Gemayel told a local radio station that Fadi Karam, unveiled one day earlier as the LF’s candidate to represent the late Farid Habib, had the support of his party and the March 14 coalition. “The Kataeb’s various party centers will be involved in this election, and we affirm that Koura adheres to the principles of freedom, pluralism and strengthening the state.” He added that his party would be in “immediate” contact with the LF to coordinate their support for Karam. Rivals from the March 8 coalition have yet to announce a candidate in the election on July 15, while FPM officials have indicated they might not field a candidate, since general elections are less than one year away. By The Daily Star