Naharnet

Franjieh open to dialogue, warns Christians against erecting 'barricades'

Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh on Thursday held talks in Bkirki with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

“We’re open to ever dialogue and we’re all working for the safety of Christians, not their security as some are proposing,” said Franjieh after the meeting, apparently accusing rival Christian parties of seeking to be in charge of security in certain areas.

Christians’ “safety” cannot be achieved “through intimidation or from behind barricades,” Franjieh added.

As for his presidential nomination, the Marada chief said his candidacy “does not undermine the democratic process but rather consolidates it.”

“We will attend any dialogue we’re invited to in an official manner, but we will not attend bilateral dialogues aimed at cornering a certain party,” he added.

“I’m doing what my conscience and Arab and Christian identity dictate on me and some of the National Moderation bloc MPs will vote for me,” Franjieh went on to say.

Source: Naharnet


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