LF: We'll Stay Committed to Allies, Starting with Mustaqbal, Regardless of Dispute over Electoral Law

The Lebanese Forces parliamentary bloc stressed on Friday that it will remain committed to its alliance with the March 14 coalition.

It said in a statement after its weekly meeting headed by LF leader Samir Geagea: “Regardless of the extent of the dispute over the parliamentary electoral law, we will remain committed to our allies, starting with the Mustaqbal Movement.”

On the electoral law, it stated: “The Orthodox Gathering proposal has garnered the support of the majority of the members of the electoral subcommittee, but we remain open to discussing any alternative that enjoys the support of the majority of the Lebanese people.”

This law should guarantee fair representation for all powers and respect mutual coexistence in Lebanon “starting with the constitution and Taef Accord,” explained the bloc.

It renewed its rejection of the 1960 electoral law, hoping that a new law would be approved as soon as possible in order to stage the elections, set for June, on time.

The electoral subcommittee aimed at discussing parliamentary electoral draft laws resumed its meetings last week.

An agreement was reached among its members to hold consultations on a draft law that combines the winner-takes-all and proportional representation systems ahead of resuming sessions on Monday.

Disputes had arisen between various political factions in Lebanon over the electoral draft law, with a Christian four-party committee, comprised of the Phalange Party, Free Patriotic Movement, Marada Movement, and LF, advocating the Orthodox Gathering proposal.

The proposal was rejected by President Michel Suleiman, Premier Najib Miqati, Mustaqbal Movement, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat, and independent MPs of the March 14 camp.

Commenting on the case of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the Lebanese Forces bloc said: “We support the Syrian revolution that aspires to liberate the people from oppression.”

“The bloc holds the government completely responsible for the suspicious manner in which it is dealing with the refugee file,” it added.

“Instead of wasting time with debates, it should focus its attention on devising a clear plan that addresses Lebanon's real capabilities of supporting the refugees,” it said.

Lebanon's failure to properly address this issue will negatively affect the Lebanese and Syrian people, it stressed.