Geagea says Hezbollah 'hostage' to Bassil

Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea has re-accused Hezbollah and its allies of obstructing the election of a new president.

Geagea said that if the opposition MPs were unified, they could have elected a new president. "The other camp can obstruct a session or two but eventually it cannot continue to obstruct the sessions," Geagea said, adding that the LF had named MP Michel Mouawad because the majority of the opposition MPs wanted him, although he had run against the LF in the parliamentary elections.

Geagea went on to suggest Army chief Joseph Aoun as a presidential candidate.

"It is possible to elect Gen. Aoun, as all countries lean toward electing their army chief when the presidential election is obstructed," Geagea said.

Geagea considered that Hezbollah is being held hostage by Free Patriotic chief Jebran Bassil in the presidential elections and in other matters. "If Bassil insists on the energy ministerial portfolio, Hezbollah would accept," Geagea said.

Geagea said that Hezbollah's arms alone are not enough to gain political strength. He added that contrary to what people believe, Hezbollah is not politically strong. "It needs its allies, in order to rule the country."