LF and Mustaqbal Request Supporters to Stop War of Words
The Lebanese Forces General Secretariat and the al-Mustaqbal movement are trying to mend the rift that emerged against the backdrop of the latest presidential nominations, and have therefore asked on Monday their supporters to stop the war of words on social media.
The General Secretariat of the Lebanese forces issued a circular asking its supporters to abstain from venting their anger against the nomination of MP Suleiman Franjieh on social media.
“We strongly urge our supporters and partisans to refrain from targeting the March 14 officials mainly (al-Mustaqbal movement chief) President Saad Hairri on their personal pages on social media,” a circular issued by the Lebanese Forces said.
“Recently our supporters have posted stances on social media targeting leaders of March 14 alliance,” it added.
On the other hand, al-Mustaqbal movement issued a similar statement.
The calls come amid a flurry of political talks in Paris between Hariri and Marada leader Franjieh, of the March 8 camp, that would see the nomination of the latter for the top state post.
Lebanon has been without a president since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014.
LF chief Geagea, himself a candidate of the March 14, has dispatched an indirect message to Hariri confirming adherence to the principles of March 14.
Geagea's supporters have taken their anger on social media criticizing Hariri for nominating Franjieh, asking: “How would Hariri nominate someone who has close ties with the Syrian regime that is accused of committing assassinations in Lebanon since 2005?”
For their part, Hariri's supporters replied, saying “al-Mustaqbal leader only cares about ending the vacuum at the presidential post and defusing tension.”
Reports have also said that Geagea received a telephone call over the weekend from Hariri which he did not answer. They also said that Geagea could be ready to support MP Michel Aoun for the presidency just to hamper the nomination of Franjieh.
Source: Naharnet
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