Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Boussaab confirmed that "the extension of Army Commander Joseph Aoun or Internal Security Forces Director General Major General Imad Othman's terms is a political decision, unhealthy for the military institution and increases fragmentation, tailored to fit them." He pointed out that "the extension decision was based on individuals rather than on general law." In an interview with "Al-Hurra Channel," Boussaab noted that "what Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi is doing is political and the church has no business in these details," adding, "I agree with Patriarch Al-Rahi on the need to elect a president but I do not agree with him that any affront to the Army Commander means an affront to the Christian position."
Boussaab confirmed that "the Lebanese Forces are engaged in politics, which is their right," discussing the external pressure exerted on Lebanese parties who "yielded" to it. Some capitulated under pressure while others considered gain and loss, obtaining other political concessions in exchange for the extension, such as legislation in the parliament as with President Nabih Berri's case. He added, "There have been political settlements, but who paid the price? The military institution and the officers involved."
He continued: "The extension law is flawed and can be challenged in the Constitutional Council. There will be a challenge, but first we will see how it will be published in the official gazette, limiting myself to this comment. Let us wait for the end of the extension saga for the Army Commander to see who wins; we must watch the final episode of this series." Regarding the connection between the army commander's extension and his presidential prospects, Boussaab confirmed that "according to the Lebanese constitution, Army Commander Joseph Aoun is not eligible to become president for three years without a constitutional amendment."
As for the proposal of military appointments in the government session scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, Boussaab commented: "If they make military appointments just for the Chief of Staff, that is another scandal. Appointments in the Council of Ministers require the Defense Minister's proposal, and any appointment without the Defense Minister's proposal is illegal and represents a greater violation of laws by the government, which can also be challenged in the Council of State."
He stated, "If the Prime Minister thinks he doesn’t want to upset the Interior Minister for certain reasons, but it’s okay to upset the Defense Minister... he is mistaken, because this would lead to something more serious and larger, a greater conspiracy; this is a blow to the Taif Constitution. I hope this statement is incorrect, but this is how it has been conveyed to me."
In another context, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament affirmed that "the words of U.S. President Joe Biden and the American administration gives us hope that we are heading towards diplomatic negotiations," noting that the solution to the problem on our borders starts with implementing Resolution 1701, not amending it, as no one has spoken to us about amendment. Regarding his communication with U.S. President’s adviser Amos Hochstein, Boussaab confirmed that communication is ongoing and nearly daily, and the American administration is interested in this issue," denying "any proposal to the Lebanese parties that involves Hezbollah withdrawing three kilometers north of the Litani River."
Boussaab viewed that the American and French pathways are different, confirming that there is a strong American conviction and effort that the diplomatic solution is paramount, commenting: war is currently unlikely. Regarding the visit of the U.S. advisor to Lebanon, Boussaab asserted that "there will be no visit from Hochstein before the end of this year," and confirmed that he has never heard from him any words about withdrawal from the Shebaa Farms.
In discussing the 13 points he discussed with Hochstein, Boussaab emphasized that "the expression of land demarcation is incorrect; we are talking about stabilizing the disputed points." On the subject of oil exploration, Boussaab pointed out that "Hochstein confirmed to him during his last visit to Lebanon that Total will attempt another exploration in block number 9, but the current situation in the region prevents any company from investing, as stability is needed, and based on stability, Total will return." He indicated that "the French company also requested to take the adjacent blocks 8 and 10."
