Jumblatt: The Government Should Follow Up with Hochstein Regarding His Proposal

The President of the Lebanese Forces Party, Samir Geagea, believes that "the Lebanese government is committing a grave betrayal regarding what is happening in the south because it is responsible for the Lebanese people, even if it is a caretaker government." He pointed out that "American envoy Amos Hochstein has arrived with proposals and has met with several officials, but he receives responses from Hezbollah through intermediaries." He stated: "We do not want a civil war, but we want to address things properly. The government should inquire about Hochstein's proposal before waiting for his arrival, and we need to start determining responsibilities. Thus, the government should follow up with Hochstein to ask about his proposal, which is to fully implement Resolution 1701 in multiple stages, starting with Hezbollah's withdrawal to a distance of 8 or 10 kilometers and the Lebanese Army taking control of that point. Afterwards, the government needs to make a national decision; this government should not merely be a follower echoing what Hezbollah does and says." Geagea clarified: "I am not in conflict with the current Lebanese government, but from my perspective, I see that the government is not acting appropriately. In the current situation, the Lebanese people are in a state of anticipation." He also addressed the investigations into the case of Pascal Suleiman, stating: "So far, we have focused on the details, but the main point is the circumstances behind his assassination, which we have not yet explored."