Geagea: Frangieh Will Not Become President, "We Have Learned from Our Mistakes"
25 Jan 202423:50 PM
Geagea: Frangieh Will Not Become President, "We Have Learned from Our Mistakes"
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has reiterated his stance on Hezbollah, labeling the group as Lebanon's primary obstacle to state-building over the past 30 years. Geagea expressed skepticism regarding Hezbollah's justification for its involvement in the war against Israel, suggesting that the group's true aim is to maintain its alliance with Iran, posing a significant threat to Lebanon.

In an interview with MTV, Geagea warned of the high likelihood of war in Lebanon, emphasizing the need to protect the country from being caught in the midst of conflicts. He urged Prime Minister Najib Mikati to reject Lebanon's involvement in the Gaza war, questioning the consequences of such a decision.

Geagea also highlighted the role of the caretaker government during wartime, stressing the need for Lebanon to reevaluate its alliances and policies in light of the evolving regional dynamics.

Regarding domestic affairs, Geagea criticized the lack of state compensation for decisions that led to confrontations, particularly in southern villages. He pointed out divisions within Lebanese society, highlighting those who refuse confrontation and claiming that some have aligned with Hezbollah due to their interests.

Geagea emphasized the need for a new approach to state governance, calling for a review of Lebanon's political structure. He rejected the idea that changing the state's formula would weaken Christians, asserting that Lebanon's identity remains unchanged over the centuries.

Geagea defended the Lebanese Forces' commitment to Lebanon's interests, citing their efforts to prevent obstacles to the army commander's extension, formal dialogue, and the election of a president affiliated with the resistance axis.

In the presidential context, Geagea reiterated his party's support for former minister Jihad Azour as a candidate, "We do not accept Sleiman Frangieh as president because we have learned from our mistakes, and we must elect a president for the republic who possesses the minimum qualifications". He warned that if Frangieh were to become president, the decisive word would be with the Shiite duo.

Geagea criticized past attempts at dialogue in Lebanon, stating that the Lebanese Forces refuse current dialogue initiatives because they do not want to be deceived. He highlighted their efforts to address various sectoral issues but expressed frustration at the lack of progress.

Regarding the Beirut port explosion investigations, Geagea revealed that major countries are reluctant to form a fact-finding committee to avoid conflicts with Iran. He also discussed the Syrian refugee issue, acknowledging the role of the Interior Minister and the responsibility of municipalities in managing it.

Geagea criticized Hezbollah's rejection of proposals to activate the Qlayaat and Riyaq airports, underscoring the party's influence in such decisions.

In conclusion, Geagea proposed a solution for refunding depositors' money through a fund to manage state assets, emphasizing the need for a different approach to governance in Lebanon.