Franjieh Hails Hariri's Position on Extremism: We are Ready to Defend our Land

Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh stressed on Tuesday that national unity is the most important fortification against terrorism that is threatening Lebanon and the region.

He said that “Lebanon is in need of the positions of its leaders,” while hailing the stance of Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri on terrorism.

“Such a stance bolsters moderation demonstrated by his slain father on the al-Dinniyeh clashes” that took place in 2000, remarked Franjieh.

“We are counting on national figures, especially within the Sunni sect. We are also banking on moderation and diligence, which will fortify the position of the Lebanese army,” he added.

“I have long stated that Lebanon cannot remain detached from the developments in the region. It is therefore important to adhere to national unity and diligence. This does not mean shying away from dangers, but confronting them through national unity,” he explained.

“Avoiding the dangers is not realistic during this time,” he noted.

“We are ready to defend our land,” Franjieh stressed.

Commenting on the extension of parliament's term, the MP said: “The postponement of the parliamentary polls will inevitably take place. Some sides dare to say that they support the extension, while others hide behind political calculations.”

“Lebanon cannot support holding the elections even though we wish otherwise were true,” continued the Marada leader.

“We are faced with vacuum or the extension. We must be realistic and honest with the people,” he declared.

He revealed that his parliamentary bloc would take part in voting for the extension.

On the vacuum in the presidency, Franjieh said: “This issue cannot be linked to the extension.”

“Circumstances determine whether there can be a president or not,” he added.

“The president will remain a Maronite, so why is the issue of the vacuum being approached so negatively?” he wondered.

“A Christian understanding was reached and it called against accepting a weak president,” he added.

“The Christians prefer vacuum over a weak president, which is a positive thing,” Franjieh remarked.

Moreover, the MP noted that the Christians are united in their fear of takfiri groups, saying that Bkirki united the Christians through religion, whereas politics would only divide them.

M.T.