Bassil Warns against Hizbullah Isolation, Denies Discussing Presidential Candidacy with Syria

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil said that the Sunni presence is an essential component, and that any imbalance would harm all Lebanese and all sects.

He also warned against the isolation of Hizbullah which he also considered as "an essential component" especially in the liberation of Lebanon from Israel.

Bassil reiterated in a televised interview that the FPM has no intention to cancel the memorandum of understanding with Hizbullah, but wants it to evolve.

He said he could have abandoned the MOU after he was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department but he chose to preserve the alliance with Hizbullah.

"Hizbullah's arms serve a particular function, defending Lebanon and preserving its sovereignty," Bassil said.

"We shouldn't accept to isolate Hizbullah," Bassil told France 24, adding that that's what foreign countries want.

The FPM chief said that Lebanon is very serious in dealing with the Kuwaiti initiative, and that the world, especially the countries that have created some crises in Lebanon and the region, should also bear their responsibility.

"We love to live in peace without weapons, that is the desire of the Lebanese," Bassil added. "But is is a regional and an international issue, the world should bear with us."

Last week, an FPM delegation visited Damascus for official talks. Bassil denied having sought Syria's support as a candidate for the presidential elections in October.

"As long as President Michel Aoun is in Baabda, I am not concerned," he said.

But he did not indicate whether he will seek the presidency, when Aoun's term ends.

"It is a Lebanese issue and even if it would be discussed, it must be discussed in Lebanon not abroad," Bassil said.