Qassem: Hezbollah presidential pick reasonable, party not seeking Salameh extension

Hezbollah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem has described his party’s undeclared nomination of Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh as “reasonable,” as he denied that Hezbollah backs the extension of Central Bank chief Riad Salameh’s term.

“It is true that Hezbollah has a presidential choice which it has not declared, but we tell everyone: let’s discuss together the proposed choices so that we reach a common vision and become on the track of solutions,” Qassem said in an interview with al-Akhbar newspaper.

“Hezbollah is one of the clearest in its choice and it considers it a reasonable choice through which the presidential vote can be finalized as soon as possible. On the opposite side, there are blocks that are proposing candidates who cannot win a number of votes more than those provided by those blocs, which are unable of attracting more votes for them,” Qassem added.

“The matter requires flexibility and we’re ready to hold discussions with others over their choices. Hezbollah, the Amal Movement and a number of allies have reached a reasonable approach for the president’s identity and we call on others to discuss it to reach a quick result,” Hezbollah’s number two went on to say.

Responding to a question, Qassem said Hezbollah “certainly” prefers to agree with the Free Patriotic Movement over the presidential file while admitting that there is a “crisis” with the former ally.

“The two parties should discuss the future of this understanding, but this is currently suspended pending the presidential election and it might be discussed afterwards,” Qassem added.

Told that the Shiite Duo is being accused of seeking the extension of Salameh’s term, the Hezbollah leader said: “We certainly are not in favor of extending Riad Salameh’s term as central bank governor and we support the continuation of the criminal audit to reach its conclusion after which the official stance on the governor would be announced.”