Geagea Calls for Dialogue to Resolve Lingering Disputes

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea considered on Thursday that the Lebanese foes should reconsider dialogue to confront the current situation in the country and to achieve swift solutions over the electoral law and other main issues.

Geagea expressed readiness to resume dialogue with the rival parties to resolve the ongoing disputes.

Lebanon plunged in a political crisis in October after the opposition blamed the government for the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Branch chief Wissam al-Hasan.

The March 14 opposition alliance boycotted dialogue despite President Michel Suleiman's extensive efforts to resume talks between the rival factions.

The last dialogue session was held on September 20.

Geagea pointed out in comments published in As Safir newspaper that there is a chance for parties to reach consensus on an electoral law.

The main political parties in the country have failed to reach common ground on an electoral law, prompting Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Miqati to sign an electoral decree setting elections on June 9 based on the 1960 law of the winner-takes-all system.

The decision angered several parties that stressed the importance of reaching an agreement over the matter.

Asked about the fear of the rise of Islamic extremism, Geagea stressed that the March 14 alliance, in particular, al-Mustaqbal, favor moderation, calling for fortifying the role of the state, security forces and the army.

“The main political factions support this option,” the LF chief said.

He stated that the Lebanese have to “safeguard the state and the Islamic-Christian moderation and to renew communication to resolve the sharp disputes.”

Concerning Hizbullah's alleged interference in the Syrian turmoil, Geagea said that the party's stance and direct meddling in battles to support the Syrian regime against rebels “will definitely lead to negative repercussions on Shiites in Lebanon and the region.”

“Hizbullah should have abided by the dissociation policy and supported the regime without getting involved in its battles,” he added.

Hizbullah has been accused of sending fighters to Syria to support the regime of President Bashar Assad against the rebel fighters.