Gemayel slams Franjieh, says coordination with FPM possible

Kataeb Party chief MP Sami Gemayel who had already vowed to block a presidential vote that would elect Hezbollah's candidate, has said that coordination with the Free Patriotic Movement is possible, on condition that it stops supporting Hezbollah.

FPM MP Alain Aoun had also said Thursday that the FPM might agree with the opposition MPs on a presidential candidate.

Gemayel, on a televised speech, vowed that al-Kataeb would retaliate against Hezbollah by boycotting a vote that would elect a president who would further isolate Lebanon and destroy institutions. "We are forced to do this to prevent repeating the previous experience," he said.

He added that implementing the constitution starts by respecting deadlines.

"The presidential vote was supposed to take place 5 months ago," Gemayel said. "The constitution cannot be suspended until the conditions are suitable for the other party."

Gemayel went on to say that Hezbollah's candidate Suleiman Franjieh is contradicting himself when he says he will implement the U.N. Resolution 1559 that includes disarming Hezbollah. "How can he belong to the Axis of Defiance and says he is ready to implement Resolution 1559," Gemayel asked.

Franjieh will announce next week, in a press conference, his presidential vision, media reports said. He will discuss Hezbollah's arms, and his economic and financial approach to address the crisis through investments.