Qassem: We have no presidential candidate other than Suleiman Franjieh

Hezbollah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem has admitted that the 2006 memorandum of understanding with the Free Patriotic Movement has become “suspended” due to “different visions” and “differences over various issues.”

“We have taken a decision in Hezbollah not to engage in exchanges of tirades with the FPM,” Qassem said in a TV interview, while noting that “the channels of communication are still open.”

As for Hezbollah’s latest meeting with the National Moderation Bloc over its presidential initiative, Qassem said his party is yet to give the bloc a “final answer.”

“We are studying the answer before giving it,” he said.

“Why do they want to hold us responsible for the presidency whereas everyone is responsible?” Qassem added, noting that “any dialogue with preconditions would be unacceptable.”

Pointing out that neither Hezbollah nor its rivals can guarantee the victory of their presidential candidates, Qassem emphasized that Suleiman Franjieh is Hezbollah’s only presidential candidate.

As for the ongoing confrontations with Israel, which have intensified in recent days, Hezbollah’s number two said “we are not closer to an all-out war in Lebanon.”

“But we are prepared for it should it erupt tomorrow,” Qassem said, adding that “90% there will not be a broad war in Lebanon.”