LF, FPM Stress Importance of 'Secrecy' to Reach Breakthrough

The Lebanese Forces and Free Patriotic Movement stressed on Sunday that the away from media spotlight negotiations are serious in an attempt to reach a break through between the two Christian rivals.

Change and Reform bloc lawmaker Ibrahim Kanaan, who is loyal to FPM chief MP Michel Aoun, pointed out in comments published in the Kuwaiti Annahar newspaper that the two parties are “keen to preserve pluralism among Christians, however, we are trying to end a long page of disputes and start a new one based on mutual respect.”

The MP stressed that the LF and FPM are reevaluating their stances to reach common grounds, expressing fear that “the people are given high hopes, in particular Christians who are staunch supporters of any agreement” between the two parties.

Kanaan revealed to Annahar that talks reach an advanced level, stressing that the FPM and LF “have strong wills to continue dialogue.”

“We aim at launching a road map to organize the Christian presence at state institutions.”

The rivalry between Aoun and LF leader Samir Geagea has left the Baabda Palace vacant. Lebanon has been without a head of state since President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended in May.

For his part, LF official Melhem Riachi told the newspaper that the two parties agreed on a “work methodology,” which is formed of several stages.

Riachi refused to announce the “phases of negotiations,” stressing the importance of “secrecy.”

The official considered that the dialogue could lead to fruitful results, saying: “Any talks between Christians will have a positive impact on the nation.”

Asked if the LF is coordinating with its allies, in particular al-Mustaqbal movement, its stances, Riachi said: “We are completely coordinating and the alliance between (al-Mustaqbal leader Saad Hariri and Geagea) are unbreakable.”

So far, several meetings have been held between Kanaan Riachi to prepare for a wide meeting between Aoun and Geagea.