Aoun Says No Concessions Made, Claims to be Part of Resistance Axis against IS and Israel
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun has promised to hold accountable corrupt officials if he were elected a president, denying that he has made certain political concessions and stressing that he is part of the resistance axis against jihadists and Israel.
“If I were elected president, I would deploy the accountability system and consolidate judicial inspection,” Aoun told al-Akhbar newspaper in a lengthy interview published on Tuesday.
“I hold everyone accountable on what they say. They all want to change the system,” he said.
Asked about accusations that he has backed down from huge proposals in return for reaching the presidential palace, he said: “This is not true.”
“We propose things to awaken the people and make them a source of discussion. In a democratic system, you cannot clap your hands on your own. I never back down,” he added.
The FPM chief also denied that he has made concessions for his rapprochement with al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri and Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea.
He stressed that reaching the country's top Christian post has never become his ultimate objective.
“It is the means to achieve what we aspire for … The country is moving like a lost ship that needs a compass,” he said.
“We fought to adopt working mechanisms in the ministries that we took charge of. But there were always obstacles,” added Aoun, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday.
The lawmaker stressed, however, that “no one will be able to paralyze” his work if he reaches Baabda Palace. “Everyone would need my signature.”
Lebanon has been without a head of state since President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended in May 2014.
The rivalry between Aoun and Geagea, two Maronite candidates, is partly to blame for the vacuum in the country's top Christian post.
Asked about his ties with Hizbullah, the FPM leader, said: “The smartest are those who fight outside their land.”
Hizbullah has sent its fighters to Syria to help President Bashar Assad against rebels seeking to topple him.
Aoun defended this move by saying “the Islamic State group and al-Nusra Front have reached our border and infiltrated our territories.”
The threat of the terrorist groups rose in August last year when they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal and took with them hostages from the Lebanese army and police.
There are fears that the Syrian-based jihadists would carry out another large scale attack after the snow melts in the hills on Lebanon's eastern mountain range where they are handing.
“I am definitely in the axis of the resistance against the IS and Israel,” Aoun told al-Akhbar.
Fighting the IS is a “priority” because “the danger is heading towards us,” he said.
10 March 2015, 08:53
1213
“We propose things to awaken the people and make them a source of discussion. In a democratic system, you cannot clap your hands on your own. I never back down,” he added.
He has the audacity to talk about a "democratic" system when he violates the constitution on a daily basis and does not practice the fundamentals of democracy by going to parliament and elect a new president.
10 March 2015, 10:29
1312
General Michel Aoun historical name that will never fade away!
Commander of Lebanese army - Prime Minister - Head of Eastern Christian dialogue - Head of Free patriotic mvt - Head of biggest Christian block - having 10 ministers - President Coming Soon!!! stay tuned grab your popcorn M14rs :)
10 March 2015, 11:02
1113
"Aoun has promised to hold accountable corrupt officials if he were elected a president" = reason why m14 are shaking in their boots and will do anything to block him, even try to pass a war criminal, church bomber, priest killer and mass murderer.
10 March 2015, 11:14
1110
why does he not do it now and not wait until he becomes President. A president does not have magic powers and Aoun can easily do what he is promising right now. It is just talk for popular consumption. The corruption is rampant among hezbollah and its followers.
10 March 2015, 11:27
1111
lol mowaten, you "imagine" a lot. what a load of bollocks mate, do you believe it yourself, or just hoping to fool some ignorants?
10 March 2015, 11:31
910
Yes thanks for your shrewd observation ashta! Indeed the President does not have "magic powers", but he has other, more "earthly" powers.
And no, Aoun cannot today prosecute corrupt officials, especially when these have control over the prime minister and the minister of justice, as well as most of the other key state positions.
10 March 2015, 11:32
1011
once more eaglyawn (you're slow aren't you?) if you copy paste my comments out of context it makes you sound like an idiot.
10 March 2015, 11:45
128
Looking at article s picture and analyzing:
Aoun, in deep thoughts looking into the ... looking to no were seems like wanted a nap...
Big head full of ...full of ...mm Actually can't even hold his head any more need a rest or he will sleep in the middle of the interview!
Eyes are very...are very not so focused, bring the dam pillow and let me sleep, Can basil take over, he knows the answers better and Time for my pill.
10 March 2015, 12:00
1011
...
and you call that "analyzing"? appalling, but certainly goes a long way in explaining things...
10 March 2015, 12:49
117
also the only Lebanese general who abandoned his dying troops and his family to flee to safety. He is a coward and a disgrace to Lebanon and to its armed forces
10 March 2015, 13:18
97
he is the slave of hizbollah too, hence weakened and divided the Christians too.
As an army officer he should know better that making peace is the only solution with the neighboring countries including Israel, such as Jordan and Egypt. No one wins in the wars when lives are lost day in and day out.
11 March 2015, 23:37
00
To all of Aoun the clown worshipers you keep on talking about Geagea some of might have been little kids back when Aoun & forces vandalized Bkirki before he ran away to France with his pyjamas. Do a search on you tube & you will find out that he is not & was not any better then Geagea.
10 March 2015, 08:55
1211
Aoun and his followers live in a self contained bubble; a bubble they created in which their delusions become reality.
10 March 2015, 08:59
116
He should be oresident so he can make accountable Gebran bassil.
10 March 2015, 09:13
1210
“I hold everyone accountable on what they say"
- Looooooool everyone but yourself, and you're the self-contradictory senile lunatic who spews out the most nonsense of all the politicians you want to hold accountable. You are a traitor to your family, your loyalist soldiers, your supporters who made a human shield around your palace, and your country that you fled after you said you would die an honourable death on the battlefield against the occupiers. And above all that, you are a traitor to yourself, a man who once said Hezbollah are terrorists only to join their axis of terrorism...
Lebanon's Christians will remain divided as long as you are alive. Your death will be a step towards the unification of Lebanon's Christians.
10 March 2015, 11:22
115
The shame itself ... excellent and clear points ... If those who follow blindly ..someone read it for them and open your eyes.
10 March 2015, 09:34
1210
Aoun, Claims to be Part of Resistance Axis against IS and Israel.
Great, now go live in Syria and do your axis a favor.
10 March 2015, 09:38
118
FT = the most informative poster this site has ever seen by a country mile
No wonder his posts are removed within minutes of them being posted.
10 March 2015, 09:40
118
As a Shia follower of Khomeini I will forgive & pray for those who insult my Lord, Sayyed Hassan Nassrallah.
10 March 2015, 09:54
912
Yes he is part of it. What are you people going to do about it?
10 March 2015, 10:48
117
we are going to have popcorn and watch it getting destroyed...or should i say it will self implode..
10 March 2015, 09:59
810
Accountability for corruption, that scares the shait out of a big bunch of politicians, doesn't it!
10 March 2015, 10:42
1212
He is amazing...
Where are the Millions in donation he received during the war?
What about the Syrian Accountability Act?
Why are all his sons in (out)law at key posts? (otv/army/government) I thought he was against "feudalism"!
Who killed Hariri according to him?
Who destroyed Lebanon?
Who is the ally of an organisation largely recognized as "terrorist"?
Who's right arm was caught spying for Israel?
Who photoshoped Pictures of the LF?
Who said: "Hezbollah's weapon is a danger to Lebanon and Lebanese society, only the state can protect Lebanon"?
Who said "I would be the last person to leave Lebanon, but I wont leave, I'm the captain and I will die here"?
Who brutally attacked bkirki?
Who lost all his wars?
Who is blocking our institutions?
Who is blackmailing an entire population "Me, or nothing!"?
pff....tfeh!
10 March 2015, 11:30
116
It seems that a unis brains are fried and damaged beyond repair if they "can" read this and still follow this history of disgrace and absolute shame.
11 March 2015, 13:09
00
Chou ya FT? Did you enjoy my little youtube links?
Do you feel stupid? Again. :)
10 March 2015, 16:49
53
For FT : Here is a pic of Michel Aoun presenting the Photoshop Picture...
Enjoy :)
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/busted
Who Photoshoped it? Most certainly Geagea ya FT... Most certaily Geagea :)
10 March 2015, 12:06
123
If general aoun is serious about supporting the resistance he should also support joumhour al moukawama, the lebanese shiite majority, get the just democratic rights usurped by the christian minority in taef.
God bless democracy.
10 March 2015, 12:40
136
The Islamic Republic of Iran considers General Aoun not only an ally but a citizen of the Islamic Republic. His heart and mind are with the revolution and he is welcome to be part of the axis in our Iranian Empire that includes the whole Middle East and Baghdad as its Capital.
10 March 2015, 14:02
53
Looking after your wellbeing and taking you by hand for treatment feels bad I Know, but it is for your good after all. IF WE don't care of each other who will. ALSO, imagine if I took you to the path of street armed fights or militias etc.. I would not be doing you any favors. AS LONG AS, you don't snap, or feel extra bad for my words I will have to wish you well and hope someone around you can give you the helping hand you need. Take care ... sorry for that. Let me know if things get better.
10 March 2015, 14:53
64
Finally anonyme you admit you're a sick crazy hysterical junkie, which was Obvious from the beginning.
10 March 2015, 15:05
55
Time to move on and elect Aoun as president. Whether we like it or not, he got the largest amount of votes amongst Christian voters and if elections happen today, he will get an even larger majority, given IS threat.
Given his electoral weight, Aoun will give the presidency some meaning. He will certainly not be a figurhead president that can be bought and sold by Syria or Saudi.
Moreover, he took a risky strategic view on his alliances that proved to be correct. After all the US and Iran are closer than at any moment since 1979.
Being against IS and Israel is in line with all political parties in Lebanon. Time for President Aoun...that would be interesting as it will break the cycle of Saudi-Syrian presidents that came after 1990.
10 March 2015, 15:14
64
Excellent post, machia....finally someone able to post some truths !
10 March 2015, 15:26
00
are you done with down voting? When are you going to bring @wolf out of retirement or do you feel more comfortable with your hourly aliases? Please bring him back
10 March 2015, 15:25
64
since when do you care about the constitution? When suleiman was elected Pres? or when m14 insist on extensions? do you need more?
No they break the constitution whenvever they feel like it, yet you never complained, but when Aoun asked to allow the people to vote directly...you cried blue murder....what about the CONSTITUTION?
move along liar.
10 March 2015, 15:27
54
Then allow the people to vote directly & vote for someone else
your so sure he'll lose right? & you will prove machia wrong.
10 March 2015, 15:32
54
No tex..stop your lies....M8 clearly wanted Aoun...but M14 threatened to boycott & suleiman was agreed upon to limit the damge m14 was hell bent on causing.....regardless it was against the CONSTITUTION>
never seen you complain nor about extension after extension.
move along tex your debate is lame & loaded with lies.
10 March 2015, 15:32
45
Moreover, to be fair to Aoun, he was very transparent in his alliance with Hezbollah, a Lebanese political party with representatives in the parliament and the government. He actually published his accord. He is also very clear about his negotiations with Mustaqbal.
Aoun built alliances and was not an order taker this is why he has popular support and is respected by his previous enemies, unlike all previous serving presidents since Fouad Chehab.
10 March 2015, 15:38
35
The Lebanese president has been imposed by foreign powers since 1990. The constitution has been mistreated to say the least. The extension of parliament is also not very constitutional.
Again, Aoun is the most popular Maronite candidate and if parliamentary elections happen today, he will get many more seats in parliament.
It is time to have a president who has an actual political weight with a strategic vision. We don't want another oder taker.
10 March 2015, 15:42
35
And if we want to be democratic, Aoun should be president. After all Christians are partners in Lebanon. Our president should not be chosen by Saudi, Syria or Iran.
10 March 2015, 15:45
44
Your post has confirmed your hatred & not an ounce of factual debate.
Machia is giving you facts & your replying with hatred wishful thoughts
Move along tex..or better still, stick to predictions.
lol@ recent opinion polls...lmfaoooooooooooooo
easily solved, allow the people to vote!
10 March 2015, 15:48
45
My point here is that Aoun is today more representative of Christian public opinion than all other Christian candidates.
A president with strong popular support is very powerful. He will rely more on the support of his voters than on foreign powers.
10 March 2015, 15:53
44
Finally the Middle East is changing. Iran is becoming a rational player that is gaining the respect of the world community.
Therefore, Aoun's alliance with Hezbollah will not impact the Lebanese interest and could be an (economic and political) boon.
10 March 2015, 16:33
72
@Machia
Are you drinking arack and smoking something??
Do you really think Aoun will be a good president? On what basis do you claim he represents the majority of the Christians??
10 March 2015, 16:48
45
is there a problem with drinking arak? take you fascist views elsewhere please, this is not your takfiri forum.
and on basis of what? on votes maybe? heard of this before?
10 March 2015, 16:53
66
Also on the basis of him proposing a direct vote for president, which the other side of course rejected based on the knowledge that theyll get their butts whooped. Oh yea, and the whole PM number thing, you know, the votes!
10 March 2015, 15:07
56
I know third-graders who can make better arguments than that "mowaten". Try to read properly before answering and stay on topic
10 March 2015, 15:56
45
Thanks for another predictions...I rather listen to facts though.
I suggest you listen to machia, he might school you in facts.
10 March 2015, 16:16
02
Ladies and gents please join me in a special fund raising drive on behalf our friend flamethrower who is destitute and down to only nine different account. We need all the help to get him at least back to his usual average of 28. Thank you for your support.
10 March 2015, 16:28
56
texy's definition of pariah: A nation that refuses to bow down to economic enslavement.
Tell me texas, do these so called powers accept Lebanon for what it is? No they dont, they want war with us if we are different and dont accept their crazy demands, so to hell with them anyway. GOOD, let all the Lebanese expats be expelled from the GCC. The GCC countries are nothing but slaves to the banks that rule them, and the GCC countries already support the destabilization of our country, in order to gain our educated youth to build their country while they sit on their a**** getting the paychecks from our hard work.
To hell with them all. This is what you dont get. We KNOW the Western allies will not like the direction we want to take, that's the whole point. We are our own country and we choose our rules. You should stay in Texas and pay back the man like a good slave.
10 March 2015, 16:50
66
M8 are the ones who proposed direct vote for president, so that's the WE. Go weasel your way out of some other argument because all I hear is nonsense. Tax day is coming up in a month, prepare your slave payments
10 March 2015, 17:04
56
LOL!!!!
The biggest farce is none other than the pre-approved Zionist Federal Reserve Bank candidates in the USA, idiot. Iran makes no secret of its positions and doesnt lie about it. The US on the other hand is in complete denial about its enslavement to the Zionist warmonger imperialists.
Seriously dude, you're in the right country.. full of weasels.
10 March 2015, 16:45
61
"The smartest are those who fight outside their land"
you mean Jihadi tourism like this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Bf2MjJliw
10 March 2015, 17:14
34
Axis of Evil? Very nice of you to take the qoute from George W. Bush a killer of millions.
Americans and their hypocrisy.
