Bassil Withdraws Recognition of GCLW Presidency in Bkirki Visit
Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Jebran Bassil on Sunday visited the seat of the Maronite church in Bkirki at the head of a Strong Lebanon bloc and FPM delegation, in the wake of a storm of condemnation sparked by leaked remarks against revered late ex-patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir.
“We stand by Bkirki in its national message,” Bassil said, stressing that “this message cannot be touched and this message will remain even after the departure of Bkirki’s great figures.”
“The insult against Bkirki and the Lebanese points to an ethics problem in the country targeted against dignitaries, leaders and dignities,” Bassil decried, referring to General Confederation of Lebanese Workers chief Beshara al-Asmar’s leaked remarks against Sfeir, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 99.
“It is normal that we don’t recognize the GCLW’s presidency until the current situation gets rectified,” Bassil added.
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi for his part said that he was “deeply hurt, like all people, by the disgraceful insult” against Sfeir.
Asmar has been summoned for interrogation and is still in detention, amid calls for stripping him of his post.
A video that went viral on social media on Friday shows Asmar mocking Sfeir shortly before a televised press conference.
Asmar was unaware his microphone was on before the conference.
Source: Naharnet
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