In an interview with the “Voice of All Lebanon,” MP Fadi Karam, a member of the Lebanese Forces (LF) Party, stated on Tuesday, June 20, that there is a lack of trust between the LF and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM).
He went on to say that “there is a convergence between the opposition and the FPM over the presidential candidate’s name, not over the fundamental principles of the two parties.”
Karam further clarified that the LF, the FPM, and the opposition all maintain their support for former Minister Jihad Azour as a presidential candidate.
He said, “If Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri calls for an electoral session, as he should do, we are ready,” as he expected Azour to “secure a greater number of votes.”
He also added that Jean-Yves Le Drian, French President Emmanuel Macron’s special envoy for Lebanon, will meet with Lebanese officials, parliamentary bloc leaders and parties. However, Karam believes that Le Drian’s mission is “exploratory” and aimed at determining what can be proposed in the interest of Lebanon following the failure of the previous French initiative.
Karam pointed out that “the underlying issue in Lebanon is political in nature and extends beyond any presidential contest. The deep divide is between a party striving for control over Lebanon and an opposition trying to defend its existence while preserving societal values.”
In the same context, he said that while regional agreements are based on the interests of the involved countries, in Lebanon, agreements should be established on a genuine partnership or a new framework that takes into account the unique dynamics and needs of the country.
