The head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," MP Jibran Bassil, affirmed that "the extension is an abnormal and unusual situation and an insult to every qualified and deserving officer. The Movement's position is principled and firm and is unrelated to the individual." He questioned, "What if our stance is that the person is unfit?"
In a press conference, he pointed out that "the individual in question has betrayed the trust and has become a symbol of unfaithfulness. He violates the National Defense Law, oversteps the minister's authority, blatantly and openly violates the Public Accountability Law, and boasts about breaking the law."
Bassil mentioned that "the similarities are significant between the extension of former Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh and today, with the same pressing forces and the same false narratives and claims that the dispute is personal."
He considered that "Army Commander Joseph Aoun is implementing Western policy regarding Hezbollah and Israel, applying Resolution 1701 in a selective manner, which must also be executed by Israel. Furthermore, the Army Commander was tested on October 17 and did not prevent attacks on institutions at that time. There is external diplomatic and security pressure for his extension, and we reject what is imposed on us from abroad."
Bassil pointed out that "the Forces have reneged on their previous position regarding not legislating except for urgent legislation due to international pressure."
