... Presidential Remarks from Frangieh on Dialogue and Arabism
Suleiman Frangieh, the presidential candidate nominated by President Nabih Berri and "Hezbollah," made his first comment saying, "It would be nice if Christians could agree on something positive for once." Frangieh expressed his openness to communicate with all political parties, asserting that he comes from an Arab background and believes in Arabism and dialogue, promoting the best relationships with everyone, as the future of the country lies in unity and coexistence. He added, "Our political stance is clear, and we take pride in it. We have never sought discord; instead, we have always been open to everyone and will work for all of Lebanon."
Frangieh noted that "Christians tend to agree on the negative rather than the positive," wishing they would agree on something positive and treat the constitution as a guarantee. He emphasized that "the election of the president requires a two-thirds presence in the council, meaning half of the Christian MPs must attend the session to ensure constitutional integrity."
Sheikh Naeem Qassem, Hezbollah's deputy, echoed the Secretary-General's position on the presidential issue, stating that there are two paths: "Either the blocs present their candidates for president and engage in dialogue to favor one of them, or they hold onto their options and delay the electoral process indefinitely."
In contrast, the "Free Patriotic Movement" considered that "the presidential elections are an absolute priority constitutionally and nationally, necessitating all efforts to elect a president who embodies a comprehensive reformative rescue project." The movement called for treating the presidential elections as a sovereign Lebanese requirement, ensuring that external involvement is solely in Lebanon's interest and to aid Lebanese in reaching an agreement among themselves, rather than through imposing interests.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized that the current way out lies in the constitutional institutions fulfilling their roles fully, starting with electing a president and then forming a new government to implement necessary reforms and address the economic and social challenges.
Mikati alleviated tensions between Army Commander General Joseph Aoun and Defense Minister Maurice Slim, gathering them at the governmental palace and agreeing to resolve their differences in a spirit of cooperation to preserve the army's role and the close relationship between the defense minister and the army commander.
Judicially, commenting on the lawsuit filed by Judge Ghada Aoun against MP Ziad Hawat, Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea remarked that "when matters turn upside down, and those expected to uphold the law violate it while accusing someone exercising their constitutional and legal right, it is necessary to restore order and truth." He criticized the idea that a judge would violate the law and attempt to infringe on a legislator's right to express an opinion in the context of their parliamentary duties, especially after milking the law that's supposed to uphold human rights.
Geagea continued: "It would be helpful if someone explains how this judge allowed herself to accuse MP Ziad Hawat simply for expressing his opinion as part of his representative duties. How did she permit herself to ignore her role and appear on television attempting to prevent MP Hawat from voicing his opinion? Moreover, how can a judge forget or overlook Article 39 of the Constitution, which clearly states that 'No penal action may be taken against any member of Parliament for the opinions and ideas expressed during their term in office'?"
Geagea considered what occurred with Judge Ghada Aoun's lawsuit against MP Ziad Hawat to be the epitome of legal violation. He added that the Lebanese Forces Party, under the Strong Republic bloc, would take all necessary legal actions to restore the rule of law, forming a team of legal experts led by Vice President George Adwan to undertake legal measures to revitalize Lebanese law.
The public prosecutor of Mount Lebanon, Judge Ghada Aoun, responded on Twitter: "Some people are still not accustomed to the logic of the state and law. They are living in a militia mentality. That’s why they are astonished at how a judge, when subjected to defamation and insult, resorts to the law to defend her dignity. I hope one day you realize that people have dignity and the judiciary has sanctity and respect that cannot be trampled upon so easily."
