Franjieh Announces Supporting the Extension of Qahwaji's Term
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh voiced on Friday his support for extending the term of Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.
"We are taking this decision to avoid vacuum as it has become difficult to reach consensus over a new army chief,” Franjieh said after holding talks with former minister Farid Haykal al-Khazen at the latter's residence in Kesrouan district.
He noted: “The minister of defense adopts the same stance in this regard as he is keen on preserving the military institution.”
The Marada leader explained his decision, saying that Qahwaji is “upright, trustworthy and proved his competence in the last few years.”
"If we were able to name an army chief that has Qahwaji's qualities, we would have supported this option. But today, we are in front of two choices with no alternative, which are extension or vacuum. We back the extension of the army chief's mandate.”
Commenting on Aoun's stance regarding the extension, Franjieh said: “We are trying to provide a legal path to extend the army chief's term, and we are taking into consideration the current situation in the region, and the East in general.”
Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun vowed earlier on Friday to challenge before the Constitutional Council the extension of Qahwaji's term, saying that it as “illegal and harms army ranks.”
The extension of Qahwaji's term which ends this September when he turns 60 – the maximum age for the post of the army commander – had created a disputed among the political foes.
Political leaders that support the extension of Qahwaji's mandate argue that the security situation in the country can't endure any vacancy in military posts.
Franjieh also called for unity between Christians.
"There is fear in the region and all Christian factions agree that they must not fight and stay united,” he expressed.
26 July 2013, 23:59
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When will we see an end to Feudalism in Lebanon?
An unfortunate reality that we see in Lebanon is still the troubling and destructive habit of following feudal leaders and families.
The Beiks, Mirs, Shiekhs, Afandis, Aghas and Bashas etc.....who hold these titles from when Lebanon was occupied by the Mamelukes and Ottomans still have a following and still influence in Lebanese politics.
When will the Lebanese realise that these people were not given these titles and the lands that they own because they were good people. But rather they were collaborators with the Mamelukes and Ottomans against their own people.
They used to be the eyes and ears or the occupiers and their past, present and future is stained with a lot of irrecoverable damage that did to Lebanon and its people.
What is even more disturbing, is that many of them take pride in their family titles when in fact if they had a shred of honor, they would be ashamed and embarrassed of such a past.
27 July 2013, 01:25
12
He's playing his cards right. The Christian jumblatt this guy...
27 July 2013, 21:36
00
The Marada leader explained his decision, saying that Qahwaji is “upright, trustworthy and proved his competence in the last few years..............
This is partly so because the army has been pleasing HA and cooperating with HA lately (clamp down on Sunni areas, Do not mess with HA fighters going in and out of Syria, No interference when Salman was killed, etc.). In other words justice is being applied to all but to HA and Amal.
Still I am for extending Qahwaji's term since Hezb Elsela2h left no other alternatives on all fronts aiming to vacate all important posts to make its take over subtle and easy. Meanwhile I hope Qahwaji will decide to apply justice equally to all after extending his term.
