Report: Paris Asks for Copy of Nasrallah Speech on 'Power Triangle'
The French embassy in Beirut has reportedly asked for a copy of a speech made last week by Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who accused Paris of suggesting a “power triangle” in Lebanon.
An Nahar newspaper said Monday that the mission contacted Hizbullah official Ammar al-Moussawi to ask for the copy of the official document after Nasrallah mentioned the division of power among Sunnis, Shiites and Christians.
The Hizbullah secretary-general said on Friday that the March 14 alliance accuses his party and AMAL movement of paralyzing the presidential elections because they are seeking to create the power triangle for considering the Taef accord no longer applicable.
The Taef agreement has divided power equally among Muslims and Christians.
Nasrallah accused a delegation of French officials of suggesting the issue during a visit to Tehran. But the Iranians rejected it, he said.
“We haven't thought about it, we haven't asked for it and we haven't sought for it,” he said.
Officials, who were not named, expected the French foreign ministry to issue a statement to clarify the matter.
Despite Nasrallah's denial, his ally Free Patriotic Movement MP Michel Aoun said last month that “stability in Lebanon is based on an integrated triangle between his party, Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal Movement.”
But the Maronite Patriarchate has allegedly rejected all proposals that don't abide by the constitution and the power-sharing accord between Muslims and Christians.
Following talks with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil on Monday, French Ambassador Patrice Paoli said he “would not respond” to Nasrallah.
“We back the Lebanese Constitution and state institutions and expect the Lebanese to elect a president in accordance with the Taef,” he said from Bustros Palace.
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