MP Fadi Karam, member of the Strong Republic parliamentary bloc (Lebanese Forces), stated that Gebran Bassil, the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, must make a decision on whether to join the opposition ranks to save the country or to go back to the agreement with Hezbollah, and this would have implications for himself and the nation.
Asked about the position of the LF bloc in the event of the latter scenario, Karam told a local radio station, “We shall cross that bridge when we get to it and negotiate with the opposition parties, with whom we share a unified vision on national affairs, in order to make a joint decision.”
Lebanese media outlets pointed out on May 16 that because of this double game, the LF had suspended talks with the FPM. Karam did not confirm the news.
He stated that negotiations are underway between the opposition parties and the FPM to reach a consensus on one candidate and move forward in the presidential battle together since the axis of resistance has its own candidate.
Regarding finalizing the consensus on one or two candidates, the MP explained that this subject needs time and may not be announced until the date of the presidential election session is determined.
In response to a question about the possibility of securing 65 votes in the event an agreement is reached on a common candidate with the FPM, Karam voiced hope that the hesitant parties would then align themselves with [the FPM and the LF].
He announced that the LF and the opposition parties are intensifying their efforts to make a decision in this regard, even if the session is held in a few days, as they asked the Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berry to call for a session since he claims to have this intention.
