According to sources close to Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian group closely followed the arrangements of the dinner that sealed the rapprochement between Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh, Hezbollah’s presidential candidate, and the Army Commander-in-Chief, General Joseph Aoun, at the latter's residence in Yarzeh.
The sources said Frangieh decided to meet with General Aoun following a visit to Bnechai by an Arab diplomat. The latter explained to his host that the mandate of the Army Commander would be extended for a year and advised him to "reconcile" with him, explaining that the reconciliation would be in his interest.
According to the same information, a former minister close to the Marada leader took charge of organizing the meeting. He first held a meeting with Hezbollah officials, who encouraged the approach, arguing that it is in Sleiman Frangieh’s interest. Once the green light was obtained from Hezbollah, preparations for the meeting were launched.
The timing of the dinner was chosen by Frangieh, whose circles subsequently leaked the information to the press. The meeting over dinner was held on the eve of the parliamentary session during which the retirement of General Aoun and other security officials was delayed, much to the disappointment of Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Gebran Bassil.
The Marada leader's choice of date was intended to send messages in several directions, on the behest of Hezbollah. The message, mainly addressed to the Army Commander, could take on its full meaning with the start of the new year.
The sources said Frangieh decided to meet with General Aoun following a visit to Bnechai by an Arab diplomat. The latter explained to his host that the mandate of the Army Commander would be extended for a year and advised him to "reconcile" with him, explaining that the reconciliation would be in his interest.
According to the same information, a former minister close to the Marada leader took charge of organizing the meeting. He first held a meeting with Hezbollah officials, who encouraged the approach, arguing that it is in Sleiman Frangieh’s interest. Once the green light was obtained from Hezbollah, preparations for the meeting were launched.
The timing of the dinner was chosen by Frangieh, whose circles subsequently leaked the information to the press. The meeting over dinner was held on the eve of the parliamentary session during which the retirement of General Aoun and other security officials was delayed, much to the disappointment of Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Gebran Bassil.
The Marada leader's choice of date was intended to send messages in several directions, on the behest of Hezbollah. The message, mainly addressed to the Army Commander, could take on its full meaning with the start of the new year.
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