Geagea Won't Take Part in Hariri Commemoration: There's a War on Sunnis in Lebanon
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stated on Wednesday that there is “unannounced war on Sunnis in Lebanon”, revealing that he will not take part in the March 14 commemoration of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination on Thursday.
“There is an attempt to accuse Sunnis of terrorism and of being behind all operations on the military institutions,” Geagea said in an interview with Future TV, accusing the Free Patriotic Movement of taking on the task to attack Sunnis in the “war against the Shiites”.
He explained: “The campaign against the residents of (the Bekaa town of) Arsal aimed at putting Sunnis against the army first, and later against Christians”.
The LF leader said that some parties are exploiting sectarian tensions, advising al-Mustaqbal MPs to calm things down as “sectarianism destroys the country”.
An army patrol was ambushed in Arsal by local gunmen as it was hunting a man wanted for several terrorist acts. The incident left an officer with the rank of captain, Pierre Bashaalani, and Sergeant Ibrahim Zahraman dead, and several military personnel wounded.
Arsal residents claimed that the soldiers were in civilian clothes and hadn't informed the town's authorities that they were planning to carry out a raid.
Geagea saluted Speaker Nabih Berri's efforts in playing a constructive role in the debate on the electoral law.
“March 14 is ready to compete in the elections and our opponents' failures and scandals help us in this respect,” he announced, saying that Lebanon's Christians lean towards supporting the alliance against March 8.
He elaborated: “We have tried to reach common grounds with al-Mustaqbal (Movement) concerning the electoral law but we did not succeed in this”.
“Al-Mustaqbal agreed to support the small electoral districts without specifying their number while the Progressive Socialist Party rejected any dialogue on this,” he said, adding that the cabinet's electoral law draft was turned down by all factions.
Geagea said al-Mustaqbal was brave to accept a mixed system: “Its opposition to the 1960's law is stronger than its rejection of the Orthodox Gathering's suggestion”.
"The elections could be postponed for a month at most for technical reasons,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, Geagea expressed that former PM Saad Hariri's proposal requires a long constitutional process: "The electoral law, however, must be approved soon".
He remarked: “The LF's interests is found within the March 14 coalition, on condition the alliance does not try to eliminate the party”.
“Despite the Special Tribunal for Lebanon's efforts, assassinations are ongoing in Lebanon as it is the opponent's method of dealing with issues,” Geagea said while explaining why he will not participate in the March 14 commemoration of Hariri's assassination on Thursday.
He named three incidents that discouraged him from taking part in the event, and which include the legal actions against former Minister Michel Samaha and Hizbullah member Mahmoud al-Hayek and reports about the involvement of party members in the Bulgaria bus explosion.
Bulgaria has given Europol the names of two of the people suspected in a bus bombing that killed five Israeli tourists last year, with hopes that the police agency can trace their movements and uncover how they financed the attack, the country's interior minister said.
The European country also requested that Lebanese authorities arrest and extradite the two suspects, who are allegedly Hizbullah members and believed to be living in Lebanon, an official said.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Military Examining Magistrate Judge Fadi Sawan issued an in absentia arrest warrant for al-Hayek, a Hizbullah member charged with the attempted murder of Batroun MP Butros Harb.
Geagea expressed: “We have to take precautions to safeguard our cause”.
He said of the STL's role: “We are not seeking revenge but we want to deter any future assassination attempts”.
Regarding Syria's ongoing war, Geagea said President Bashar Assad's regime will not last but might not fall soon.
“There is an attempt by the international community to negotiate a deal that involves a trade between the Iranian nuclear program or another regional matter with the Syrian card,” he revealed.
Geagea considered that Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi's visit to Syria does not entail any political motives and he credited Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Elias Audi's decision of not participating in the enthronement of Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Levant and Antioch Youhanna al-Yaziji.
"The neighboring country's complicated situation lead to surrounding al-Rahi's visit with ambiguity,” he expressed.
Al-Rahi's visit to Syria created a heated debate locally as several officials including President Michel Suleiman called against politicizing it.
The March 14 and 8 alliances are deeply split over the revolt in Syria as the opposition backs the collapse of the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
However, sources in the church described the visit as “religious,” and supported by the Vatican.
Commenting on the adoption of civil marriage in Lebanon, Geagea said: “Personally I believe marriage is a religious sacrament not a contract but I cannot impose my opinion on the society”.
"Those opting for a civil union must have the platform to do so,” he added.
The debate on civil marriage in Lebanon took a recent turn when a Lebanese couple, Kholoud Sukkarieh and Nidal Darwish, announced they had wed as a secular couple by having their religious sects legally struck from their family registers under an article dating from the 1936 French mandate.
Suleiman has since lobbied for a civil marriage law as a "very important step in eradicating sectarianism and solidifying national unity."
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13 February 2013, 22:25
Geagea: The Syrian presence in Lebanon affected Christians' role in Lebanon negatively and those advocating their rights today are supporters of Assad's regime.
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13 February 2013, 22:23
Geagea: Every LF nomination to the parliamentary elections is preceded by several talks and negotiations within the party and the popular base has an important say in choosing the candidates.
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13 February 2013, 22:21
Geagea: I am very proud of the Pope's decision.
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13 February 2013, 22:20
Geagea: I do not agree with comments saying the Vatican supports Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime.
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13 February 2013, 22:17
Geagea: Those calling themselves the supporters of the army are its strongest enemies and the judicial trial in the Arsal case will best resolve this issue.
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13 February 2013, 22:13
Geagea: The Syrian regime will not last but it might take some time before it falls and there is an attempt by the international community to negotiate on a deal that involves the Iranian nuclear program or another regional matter.
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13 February 2013, 22:11
Geagea: The goal behind the STL to deter any future assassination attempts and its judgment will reveal the killers of Hariri and all the assassinated politicians that died after him.
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13 February 2013, 21:53
Geagea on civil marriage: Personally I believe marriage is not a contract but a religious sacrament. But I cannot impose my opinion and those seeking a civil union must have the platform to do so.
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13 February 2013, 21:49
Geagea: If Christians were not active members in their societies they will disappear and this is "suicide". We cannot talk about churches being destroyed only as mosques as well are have been targeted.
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13 February 2013, 21:47
Geagea: At the beginning of the Syrian revolution the opposition was unarmed but change is difficult to achieve if a dictator was targeting them by force.
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13 February 2013, 21:47
Geagea: I do not support al-Rahi's comments on human rights in Syria as millions are being killed.
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13 February 2013, 21:46
Geagea: I salute Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Elias Audi's decision of not going to Syria and the neighboring country's complicated situation lead to surrounding al-Rahi's visit with ambiguity.
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13 February 2013, 21:45
Geagea: I do not think Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi's visit to Syria has any political motives.
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13 February 2013, 21:41
Geagea: Former PM Saad Hariri's proposal requires a long constitutional process and we have to approve on an electoral law soon.
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13 February 2013, 21:40
Geagea: The campaign against MP Butros Harb is not acceptable and a deputy has the right to discuss legal matters to improve the judicial system.
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13 February 2013, 21:37
Geagea: The Lebanese Forces' interests is found within the March 14 coalition, on condition the alliance does not try to eliminate the party.
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13 February 2013, 21:34
Geagea: Postponing the elections for one month at most might happen for technical reasons only and Speaker Nabih Berri is playing a constructive role in the debate on the electoral law.
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13 February 2013, 21:33
Geagea: March 14 is ready to compete in the elections and our opponents' failures and scandals help us in this respect. Christians lean towards supporting March 14.
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13 February 2013, 21:30
Geagea: Many Lebanese are not satisfied with the 1960's law and the need to change it is found across different factions.
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13 February 2013, 21:28
Geagea: Al-Mustaqbal was brave to accept a mixed system in the proposed electoral drafts and its opposition to the 1960's law is stronger than to the Orthodox Gathering's suggestion.
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13 February 2013, 21:25
Geagea: A serious state must be established in Lebanon and despite all challenges we faced when we were in power, among them the 2006 war, the sit-in in downtown Beirut and the assassinations, the growth rate was 7%.
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13 February 2013, 21:23
Geagea: Miqati's cabinet did not even refer the financial accounts to the parliament.
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13 February 2013, 21:22
Geagea commenting on the "Impossible Acquittance" book: Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas said PM Miqati did not issue any budget in the last two years. How can the FPM publish a book on public money while they did not even criticize the cabinet they are part of?
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13 February 2013, 21:11
Geagea: The campaign against the residents of Arsal aimed at putting Sunnis against the army first, and later against Christians. Some al-Mustaqbal MPs are encouraging the tension while they should calm things down as sectarianism destroys the country.
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13 February 2013, 21:09
Geagea: The FPM is taking on the task to attack Sunnis in Lebanon in the war against the Shiites.
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13 February 2013, 21:06
Geagea: We are the true supporters of the army and there is an attempt to accuse Sunnis of terrorism and of being behind all attacks on the military institutions.
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13 February 2013, 21:05
Geagea: Some parties are exploiting sectarian tensions and there is an unannounced war on Sunnis in Lebanon during the past two weeks.
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13 February 2013, 21:02
Geagea: Despite the STL's efforts, assassinations are ongoing in Lebanon as it is the opponent's method of dealing with issues. We have to take precautions to safeguard our cause.
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13 February 2013, 21:01
Geagea: Three incidents this week discourage me from participating in Thursday's event, among them the legal actions against former Minister Michel Samaha, Hizbullah member Mahmoud Hayek and reports about the involvement of party members in the Bulgaria bus explosion.
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13 February 2013, 21:00
Geagea: I will not take part in the commemoration of former PM Rafik Hariri's assassination on Thursday for security reasons.
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13 February 2013, 20:54
Geagea: The cabinet's electoral law draft was rejected by all factions and the proposal dividing Lebanon into 50 electoral districts was opposed by AMAL, Hizbullah, the FPM and the PSP.
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13 February 2013, 20:52
Geagea: We have tried to reach common grounds with al-Mustaqbal concerning the electoral law but we did not succeed in this. Al-Mustaqbal agreed to support the small electoral districts without specifying their number while the PSP rejected any dialogue on this.
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13 February 2013, 20:45
Geagea: Hariri's assassination lead to a spring in Lebanon and to the withdrawal of the Syrian forces. It is normal to have different views in March 14 coalition.
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13 February 2013, 20:44
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in an interview with Future TV: Former PM Rafik Hariri's assassination was a surprise to me because he did not take part in the war.
13 February 2013, 21:26
1314
Due to his involvement with M14, he should be more than careful in his roaming and the places he attends. I think he would be safer at home at all times until the situation in Syria settles and the winning party takes over. Hezbollah has invested much of its men and clout in the Syrian war and therefore anyone who is felt to threaten their power will be targeted; that’s why Hariri is still living in Paris. Gaegea is proving to be smarter than before. Not only is he acting rationally, he is also weighing things in a balanced manner. He’s also siding with the Sunni’s of Lebanon and this might result in him fetching the presidency should the Syrian regime falls before they are carried out. I think he could make a good president. Those who accuse him of killing are dreamers, not because his hands were not mired with blood during the civil war, but because who of the politicians then didn’t have their hands stained with the blood of the Lebanese.
13 February 2013, 21:56
1715
Allah yihmek ya Hakim, a true and honest Lebanese leader...
13 February 2013, 22:04
00
ya Karim, it is the same county that produced a sub-brain sub-human mutant like you.
13 February 2013, 22:11
1818
ya Samir Former PM Rafik Hariri's a "saudis" middle
man, was funding the war & selling arms , to all
factions including U Ya samir Geagea.
Geagea if u have some dignity, u retired and help people.
saudi lap dog.
tfeh on all you lebanese politicians, scum of the earth.
14 February 2013, 11:12
33
Let say he is a saudi middleman. Why you have a problem with this and you have not a problem with the leaders who are either Iranian or Syrian lapdogs as you say. At least the Saudi give us money, our expatriates are working there and earning money for their family. And most of all Saudis do not kill our leaders nor arm militias.
13 February 2013, 22:54
1215
Like a master surgeon, Hakim slices through his opponents’ rhetoric with logic and reason. That should piss a lot of people off!
13 February 2013, 23:08
711
are you trying to insult me? I would have to value your opinion for that to occure. Better luck next time!
13 February 2013, 23:41
413
not more than those you praise... you d better be quiet on that matter as you accuse others while allied with people who have blood on their hands too... so you have no legitimacy to criticize other than trying to look smart which you are faaaaaaar from being!
14 February 2013, 00:01
79
Peace- adding on to your statements. As a country we chose collectively to put the war behind us and move forward. It was a huge step by the Lebanese to co-exist. The bigger problem is that some people are still committing crimes against their fellow Lebanese after the war has ended. Certain people defend them and give them both, PR and political cover. They are ok with allying themselves with them for greater share in power with total disregard to human life.
13 February 2013, 23:08
912
He was not the only one. During the civil war, all militias and leaders fought and had blood on their hand. Geagea was the only one who went into jail. He was the only leader to recognize and apologize for the errors done during the civil war.
In South Africa, the white recognized their errors and crimes against the black during decades of apartheid. After that there was a national reconciliation.
How come you forgive the Assad regimes for all the crimes, destruction, theft, kidnaping, torturing done in Lebanon.
How come you forgive Hizbullah going into Beirut in 2008, destroying TV and radio stations, killing many civilians, etc...
How come you forgive Berri and his militias responsible of killing of innocent and destruction in the palestinians camps.
How come you forgive Hizbullah kidnapping and killing of western hostages in the 80's
How come you forgive Hizbullah attacks on US and French peacekeeping forces.
13 February 2013, 23:18
88
The Hakim should commemorate Rafik's death in Church with Xian leaders by praying for his soul and for Lebanon people.
13 February 2013, 23:39
311
it is obvious that M8 camp are leading a subtle campaign against lebanese sunnis by hinting that they are all salafis and deserve to be crushed...
they are provoking them awaiting a reaction to come and tell people : "you see how naughty they are?! now hezbis have the right to answer back!"
as usual, it s their favorite sport to cry like a virgin and play the vistims....
14 February 2013, 01:40
1214
Nowadays, Geagea strikes me a leader whose words and actions are to preserve the national interest of Lebanon. He said all the right things about inclusions and the building of state institutions. For me and for many Lebanese, that is the true act of resistance.
14 February 2013, 08:52
00
"There's a war on Sunnis," says Dr. Arreet 7akeh. Could it be because they have gone berserk, blowing themselves up and killing people of other religions and sects in all four corners of the earth, and sometimes killing their own in target practice in their free time, and so some in the world are pursuing them here and there (and sometimes working with them. Go figure!)? Or is this Arreet 7akeh a model for a Christian Sunni? Go friggin figure!
14 February 2013, 10:08
00
Hakim
oua nabka oua sa nabka ,
god bless 10452
but ya samir your allies since you left jail , and let me remind you you went out from jail with army killers ,nice deal you made
all do not frorget that ur allies stole christian representation for years
sihna kifeyeh you said once ur friends only gave you minister of tourism remember
christtian rights ya samir is paramount , from fair elections to giving back the powers for the presidency
god bless true lebanese
14 February 2013, 10:23
64
As usual "doctor" Geagea shows us his priorities lie in the salary he gets from the Al Saud ruling family.
14 February 2013, 17:05
21
if that was the case, don't you think that the AL Saud ruling family would want him to attend?
14 February 2013, 20:42
10
the masters in playing victims are hezbis and FPM... blaming all the problems on M14, hinting that all sunnis are salafis, that all lebanese problems come from israel... you are the masters in the victims game by provocating the others and awaiting them to react and then whine like low virgins that you are!
please FT, do not label others of what your friends have become masters in!!!
14 February 2013, 20:42
10
the masters in playing victims are hezbis and FPM... blaming all the problems on M14, hinting that all sunnis are salafis, that all lebanese problems come from israel... you are the masters in the victims game by provocating the others and awaiting them to react and then whine like low virgins that you are!
please FT, do not label others of what your friends have become masters in!!!
