The "Aoun" movement has opted for a minimal level of debate with the head of the "Lebanese Forces" party, Samir Geagea, following his accusations against its leader, President Nabih Berri. This is a departure from their usual practice of responding harshly and shockingly. Members of the movement indicated that their reduction in rhetoric is not out of inability or incompetence, but rather in execution of an implicit directive that they are committed to, as reported by "An-Nahar."
Member of the movement's leadership, MP Qablan Qablan, addressed Geagea's recent accusation against President Berri, claiming he uses his authority to impose unconstitutional provisions that do not exist in the Taif Agreement, preferring to have political dialogue precede always constitutional obligations leading to temporary solutions. Qablan stated: "There is nothing that necessitates us to respond to this political team, except that they continue to live under the atmosphere of 'Mikhail Daher’s phase or chaos,' as they remain advocates of chaos."
It is perhaps rare for the "Aoun" movement to resort to silence or minimal responses, and this has not been arbitrary but rather stems from an understanding and awareness of Geagea's declared and hidden objectives aimed at dragging them into daily exchanges. It is clear that Geagea has chosen a confrontational approach towards them as part of a long-term strategy to establish himself as the absolute leader for the opposition in the country, and he perceives the current moment as a golden opportunity to achieve this goal, which he should not miss.
Rational political logic proves that any confrontation with Ain al-Tineh is inherently unbalanced. It is not hidden that there is an internal recognition and external acknowledgment that Berri is the necessary reference for all those seeking solutions and compromises for the country's crises, foremost of which is the severe crisis resulting from the presidential vacuum. It has become known that all intermediaries and initiative bearers regarding this crisis, which is on the brink of entering its second year, have consciously chosen Ain al-Tineh as the key entry point they must take to proceed with their efforts.
Qablan added: "All those crossing have acknowledged, in one way or another, that the invitation previously issued by President Berri to a national dialogue table within a specific time frame does not end before reaching an agreement on a new president or a formula leading to the election of this president, which cannot be ignored, opposed, or abandoned."
This response corresponds equally to the reply given by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati regarding remarks from former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, in which he accused him of having relinquished the powers granted to him and handed the initiative over to President Berri concerning the presidential entitlement, stating that the consultations he holds with President Berri on this matter are discussions that Siniora previously engaged in with him.
Close associates of Berri conclude that he is determined to move forward with what he has begun to fulfill his promise and end the era of presidential vacancy. Therefore, he is aligning and harmonizing with the initiatives of the Quintet Committee, as well as the initiatives by the "National Moderation" bloc and the "Democratic Gathering," in addition to the French and Qatari initiatives, according to "An-Nahar."
