Marouni: Aoun Plays a Central Role in Plan to Prevent Establishment of a Strong State

Phalange Party bloc MP Elie Marouni stated Wednesday that Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun is a central player in the plan to prevent the establishment of a strong state.

He told Asharq al-Awsat daily that the MP is charged with creating strife among the Christians in Lebanon, saying that his recent attack against President Michel Suleiman is unjustified.

He added: "We understand his position however because he is still eying the presidency and does not pass up an opportunity to attack Suleiman who is treading on a very fine line to maintain the country's unity."

Meanwhile, he questioned in a talk to ANB the timing of Prime Minister Saad Hariri's apology to Syria over mistakes committed against it after the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

"Why didn't the reevaluation of positions start in 2006? What led to Hariri's visit to Syria and the shift in accusations against it? Was a political price paid?" he asked.