FPM Mulling Response after Moqbel's Extensions Decision
The Free Patriotic Movement of MP Michel Aoun was on Friday holding intense consultations to come up with a strategy to confront a decision by Defense Minister Samir Moqbel to extend the terms of top military officials.
Aoun's Change and Reform bloc is expected to announce its official stance following an extraordinary meeting in Rabieh on Saturday.
Moqbel extended on Thursday the terms of the Army commander, chief of staff and the head of the Higher Defense Council despite months of objections by the FPM, which rejects the extension of the tenures of high-ranking military and security officials.
Aoun's sources told al-Liwaa daily published Friday that the FPM had been “tricked” through Moqbel's decision.
The newspaper quoted an FPM official as saying that the movement's response would be up to par with the “provocative move” made by the defense minister.
The same sources did not rule out “unexpected” street protests by the FPM.
They told al-Akhbar newspaper that “Aoun will not back off,” stressing that the decision to extend the terms of the army's top brass will be met with “bigger escalation.”
The sources accused Moqbel of turning his back at an initiative made by General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim to resolve the dispute on the appointments.
The initiative, which has allegedly received the blessing of Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, calls for raising the retirement age of the army and security officers for three years.
Aoun, who wants his son-in-law Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz to become army chief, told his allies in the March 8 alliance that he aims to lead a huge popular movement next week, the sources added.
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