The leader of the Lebanese Forces (LF) Party, Samir Geagea, delivered a scathing critique of Hezbollah's stranglehold on the country, particularly its dominance in the South, and its detrimental impact on Lebanon's stability, sovereignty and prospects for progress.
In an interview on MTV on Thursday night, Geagea questioned Lebanon's implication in regional conflicts. He reminded viewers that, of the 22 countries in the Arab League, excluding Palestine, Lebanon is the only country directly implicated in the war.
Geagea provided an answer, stating that the decision-making power lies in the hands of Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon but aligned with Iran, prioritizing the interests of the Islamic Republic over those of Lebanon.
Lebanese Army
The LF leader also criticized Hezbollah's unilateral initiation of military operations in the South, stressing the need “to implement Resolution 1701” and deploy the Lebanese army along the southern border.
Geagea touched upon the current state of affairs, stating that the Lebanese Army has a mere “symbolic presence in the South.” He added, “If the Lebanese Army taking control in the South is considered abnormal, then nothing in this country is normal anymore.”
In this context, Geagea emphasized the need for Hezbollah, which has been engaged in deadly clashes at the border since the start of the Gaza war, to withdraw inside Lebanon and allow the Lebanese army to have a real and effective presence at the southern border. Geagea emphasized that if war breaks out in the country, the Lebanese Forces will be the first to stand alongside the Lebanese state, demonstrating their power of “resistance.”
Parolin’s Visit
Regarding his absence from the spiritual summit convened by Patriarch Bechara Rai on June 25, which was attended by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Geagea justified his absence by stating security issues. He explained that it was a ceremonial meeting and he chose to be represented by MP Pierre Bou Assi to avoid attending publicized events for security reasons. Geagea mentioned that he had a conversation with Cardinal Parolin for over an hour, discussing various issues.
Free Patriotic Movement
Geagea also addressed the strained relations with the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), calling it one of the three misfortunes of the country. He called on the FPM to self-evaluate and criticized what he considered to be baseless accusations made by Gebran Bassil, the leader of the FPM, against the Lebanese Forces.
Geagea criticized the current government led by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and characterized it as a government of both Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement.
The Presidency
Regarding accusations that the Lebanese Forces refuse the idea of a dialogue chaired by Nabih Berri, Geagea clarified that they have never rejected dialogue and engage in daily discussions with all relevant parties, including the National Moderation bloc, the Amal Movement and the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP). However, Geagea stated that they simply refuse to allow the head of the legislature to seize power and control the presidency through unconstitutional maneuvers. He held the Amal-Hezbollah alliance primarily responsible for the presidential vacuum and urged Berri to convene open electoral sessions until a president is elected.
Regarding the candidacy of Sleiman Frangieh, the leader of the Marada Movement, Geagea specified that the opposition seeks an independent president, which Frangieh is not, as he openly aligns himself with Hezbollah and its allies.
In an interview on MTV on Thursday night, Geagea questioned Lebanon's implication in regional conflicts. He reminded viewers that, of the 22 countries in the Arab League, excluding Palestine, Lebanon is the only country directly implicated in the war.
Geagea provided an answer, stating that the decision-making power lies in the hands of Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon but aligned with Iran, prioritizing the interests of the Islamic Republic over those of Lebanon.
Lebanese Army
The LF leader also criticized Hezbollah's unilateral initiation of military operations in the South, stressing the need “to implement Resolution 1701” and deploy the Lebanese army along the southern border.
Geagea touched upon the current state of affairs, stating that the Lebanese Army has a mere “symbolic presence in the South.” He added, “If the Lebanese Army taking control in the South is considered abnormal, then nothing in this country is normal anymore.”
In this context, Geagea emphasized the need for Hezbollah, which has been engaged in deadly clashes at the border since the start of the Gaza war, to withdraw inside Lebanon and allow the Lebanese army to have a real and effective presence at the southern border. Geagea emphasized that if war breaks out in the country, the Lebanese Forces will be the first to stand alongside the Lebanese state, demonstrating their power of “resistance.”
Parolin’s Visit
Regarding his absence from the spiritual summit convened by Patriarch Bechara Rai on June 25, which was attended by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Geagea justified his absence by stating security issues. He explained that it was a ceremonial meeting and he chose to be represented by MP Pierre Bou Assi to avoid attending publicized events for security reasons. Geagea mentioned that he had a conversation with Cardinal Parolin for over an hour, discussing various issues.
Free Patriotic Movement
Geagea also addressed the strained relations with the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), calling it one of the three misfortunes of the country. He called on the FPM to self-evaluate and criticized what he considered to be baseless accusations made by Gebran Bassil, the leader of the FPM, against the Lebanese Forces.
Geagea criticized the current government led by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and characterized it as a government of both Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement.
The Presidency
Regarding accusations that the Lebanese Forces refuse the idea of a dialogue chaired by Nabih Berri, Geagea clarified that they have never rejected dialogue and engage in daily discussions with all relevant parties, including the National Moderation bloc, the Amal Movement and the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP). However, Geagea stated that they simply refuse to allow the head of the legislature to seize power and control the presidency through unconstitutional maneuvers. He held the Amal-Hezbollah alliance primarily responsible for the presidential vacuum and urged Berri to convene open electoral sessions until a president is elected.
Regarding the candidacy of Sleiman Frangieh, the leader of the Marada Movement, Geagea specified that the opposition seeks an independent president, which Frangieh is not, as he openly aligns himself with Hezbollah and its allies.
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