FPM Mulling Response after Moqbel's Extensions Decision
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
The Free Patriotic Movement of MP Michel Aoun was on Friday holding intense consultations to come up with a strategy to confront a decision by Defense Minister Samir Moqbel to extend the terms of top military officials.
Aoun's Change and Reform bloc is expected to announce its official stance following an extraordinary meeting in Rabieh on Saturday.
Moqbel extended on Thursday the terms of the Army commander, chief of staff and the head of the Higher Defense Council despite months of objections by the FPM, which rejects the extension of the tenures of high-ranking military and security officials.
Aoun's sources told al-Liwaa daily published Friday that the FPM had been “tricked” through Moqbel's decision.
The newspaper quoted an FPM official as saying that the movement's response would be up to par with the “provocative move” made by the defense minister.
The same sources did not rule out “unexpected” street protests by the FPM.
They told al-Akhbar newspaper that “Aoun will not back off,” stressing that the decision to extend the terms of the army's top brass will be met with “bigger escalation.”
The sources accused Moqbel of turning his back at an initiative made by General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim to resolve the dispute on the appointments.
The initiative, which has allegedly received the blessing of Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, calls for raising the retirement age of the army and security officers for three years.
Aoun, who wants his son-in-law Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz to become army chief, told his allies in the March 8 alliance that he aims to lead a huge popular movement next week, the sources added.
G.K.
D.A.
07 August 2015, 07:35
26
"The sources accused Moqbel of turning his back at an initiative made by General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim to resolve the dispute on the appointments.
The initiative, which has allegedly received the blessing of Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, calls for raising the retirement age of the army and security officers for three years."
Aoun will accept extending the retirement age of Brig. Generals by 3 years thus adding more burden on the treasury. The Lebanese Army will have as a result 400 Brig. Generals now and 800 in 3 years which is double what NATO has. Again, Aoun is against extensions;)))
07 August 2015, 10:24
16
It is great time for Christians to understand the degree of corruption of the Caporal and his gang.
This man has proven to be the greatest liar ever....
07 August 2015, 13:24
14
Plea to FPMers, brothers in beloved Lebanon, What is going on? You believe that what you are doing to Institutions will help? We are suffering yes, but you will more when Lebanon gets destroyed because your partners in crime care nothing about you! What is your benefit for allowing "wilayat al Faqih" rule. On the other side most mustaqbal are not asking for similar islamic sunni state. Your coverage to forces of doctrine radical armed to teeth parties will reach to that and there is no way to deny that or compare it to others. Unless brain dead as mentioned above, unless so involved in crime and corruption and can't go back we want you back. Yes you lead with other Christian parties for the new Lebanon and we will be happy to help because what we want is prosperous nation with similar right to live and insist to live in harmony.
07 August 2015, 08:00
26
Aoun's sources told al-Liwaa daily published Friday that the FPM had been “tricked” through Moqbel's decision.
How were they tricked? Moqbel suggested 3 or 4 names. There was no consensus and he had to do what ensured the continuity of the military institutions. The FPM's definition of consensus is weird. Consensus means you agree to what I dictate or it is not consensus. How about consensus on HA war in Syria that is destroying our country.
07 August 2015, 09:16
15
Was the FPM tricked by Aounist Fayez Ghosn when he extended the turms last time around, and why was Ghosn's move last time not a provocation to Aoun and why didn't Aoun escalate when his own block's minister did what Mokbel did yesterday? The anwer simply is that back then Aoun's #2 son in law Roukoz was not in the running for the top job.
07 August 2015, 10:28
15
تشهد جرود بريتال اشتباكات بين الجيش اللبناني ومطلوبين على خلفية ملاحقة الجيش لمجموعة من المسلحين المطلوبين بجرائم وكان آخرها خطف المواطن مارك الحاج موسى.
ashraf nass always abide by the security plan, love the army, and respect the state.
07 August 2015, 12:46
14
"he aims to lead a huge popular movement next week"
150 unemployed bums + 50 braindeads who will take a vacation day from work + 100 family members.
07 August 2015, 20:35
14
النائب نبيل نقولا لـ"الجديد": متجهون نحو التصعيد لأنه "طلع ديننا" كنواب ولا نستطيع ان نكذب على الناس.
08 August 2015, 05:31
02
This next "really big" protest that Aoun is supposed to lead will finally expose him and the FPM (Family Political Movement) really are when no one shows up.
