Hariri: I Want Serious Dialogue with Hizbullah and a Consensual President is the Solution for Lebanon

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية W460

Al-Mustaqbal movement leader MP Saad Hariri on Thursday announced that he is seeking a “serious dialogue” with Hizbullah “for the sake of the country,” as he stressed the need to elect a “consensual president.”

“Dialogue is important and my dispute with Hizbullah is over its intervention in Syria, in addition to the (Special) Tribunal (for Lebanon), weapons and the (Hizbullah-affiliated) Resistance Brigades,” Hariri said in an interview in Paris with LBCI television.

“I will not change my stance over these issues, but some things are important for the country and for protecting the country. Protecting the country is more important than Saad Hariri,” the former premier added.

Speaker Nabih Berri and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat have been exerting efforts to gather the two rival parties.

Hariri confirmed during the interview that Mustaqbal is cooperating with Berri and Jumblat to prepare an agenda for the proposed dialogue.

“I don't like populist stances but rather stances that serve the national interest. I take my decisions according to the country's interests,” Hariri said in defense of his intention to engage in dialogue with Hizbullah.

He noted that there are things that must be discussed “for the sake of the country and its citizens.”

“I'm not with dialogue with Hizbullah for the sake of dialogue. I'm rather with serious dialogue for the sake of the country's interest and I'm serious in what I'm saying. I want a president and parliamentary elections and I want us to exit the dilemma that the country is going through,” said Hariri.

“I want dialogue with results,” he stressed.

The ex-PM called for overcoming complications and putting them aside “for the sake of reaching an agreement that can serve the country's interest.”

Asked about the possibility of dialogue's failure, Hariri said: “Let the other party bear the responsibility should dialogue turn out to be non-serious. I'm serious about dialogue and if I reject it the tensions will grow among citizens.”

Al-Mustaqbal's leader pointed out that talks with Hizbullah would “alleviate the Sunni-Shiite tensions,” warning that a Sunni-Shiite “explosion” would not “leave us any presidency or country to talk about.”

On the possibility that dialogue could lead to a new political system, Hariri reiterated support for the Taef Accord, emphasizing that his movement will not change its stance.

“We have fought battles to preserve it,” he noted.

“Hizbullah proposed a constituent assembly and we rejected it because we're with bilateral not trilateral power-sharing,” Hariri pointed out.

He stressed that “a consensual president is the solution for Lebanon.”

He said a consensual candidate is one “who can talk to everyone and who can put Lebanon's future before anything else.”

Asked about Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun's candidacy, Hariri described Aoun as “an essential political component of the country,” noting that “no one can eliminate anyone in this country.”

“We cooperated with Aoun and we formed a government, but has anyone from March 8 tried to talk to (Lebanese Forces leader) Samir Geagea?” Hariri added, referring to the LF chief's nomination.

He noted that the March 14 forces have a problem with Aoun's nomination although al-Mustaqbal has engaged in dialogue with him.

“The March 8 camp does not approve of Samir Geagea's candidacy but they have not talked to him, that's why the solution is electing a consensual president,” said Hariri.

He underlined that Saudi Arabia “does not have a veto on anyone,” adding that all countries “want Christians to agree on a presidential candidate.”

Lebanon has been without a president since May 25 amid a boycott of electoral sessions by the MPs of Hizbullah and Aoun's Change and Reform bloc.

Last week, Aoun launched at initiative aimed at limiting the presidential battle to him and his main rival Geagea.

Y.R.

Timeline
  • 27 November 2014, 23:02

    Hariri: The ISIL was created by the regime and its deeds.

  • 27 November 2014, 23:00

    Hariri: Bashar Assad has no place in Syria's future.

  • 27 November 2014, 23:00

    Hariri: Iran must realize that it cannot seize control of Lebanon, Syria and the region.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:58

    Hariri: We hope Iran's role will be for the welfare of the region, not only in Lebanon, and we hope Iran's policy towards Syria and other countries will change.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:57

    Hariri: My personal relation with Aoun is excellent and I hope it will stay like this. Of course there is an interest in any cooperation between al-Mustaqbal movement and Aoun.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:52

    Hariri: A consensual candidate is one who can talk to everyone and who can put Lebanon's future before anything else.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:51

    Hariri: Aoun's problem is that he is organically allied with Hizbullah.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:50

    Hariri: We made a mistake by avoiding dialogue with Aoun in the past.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:47

    Hariri: Saudi Arabia does not have a veto on anyone and all countries want Christians to agree on a presidential candidate.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:40

    Hariri: The March 14 forces have a problem with Michel Aoun's nomination but we engaged in dialogue with him. The March 8 camp does not approve of Samir Geagea's candidacy but they have not talked to him, that's why the solution is electing a consensual president.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:39

    Hariri: We support the Taef Accord and will not change our stance and we have fought battles to preserve it. Hizbullah proposed a constituent assembly and we rejected it because we're with bilateral not trilateral power-sharing.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:33

    Hariri: Dialogue with Hizbullah would alleviate the Sunni-Shiite tensions and a (Sunni-Shiite) explosion would not leave us any presidency or country to talk about.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:24

    Hariri: Aoun is an essential political component of the country and no one can eliminate anyone in this country. We cooperated with Aoun and we formed a government, but has anyone from March 8 tried to talk to Samir Geagea?

  • 27 November 2014, 22:23

    Hariri: Let the other party bear the responsibility should dialogue turn out to be non-serious. I'm serious about dialogue and if I reject it the tensions will grow among citizens.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:18

    Hariri: We are with any communication among the Lebanese for the sake of Lebanon.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:16

    Hariri: I will not remain silent whenever I feel that Lebanon's interest is being harmed, whether that came from a friendly party or not, and we support the Syrians and their freedom.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:12

    Hariri: Tripoli's residents are the people of moderation and we're a cross-confessional movement. We have never carried arms and moderation has been our path since the days of Rafik Hariri.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:12

    Hariri: We must overcome complications and put them aside for the sake of reaching an agreement that can serve the country's interest.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:11

    Hariri: There is an agenda that is being prepared with the AMAL Movement and Walid Jumblat, who is the one leading the efforts for dialogue. A consensual president is the solution for Lebanon.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:06

    Hariri: I'm not with dialogue with Hizbullah for the sake of dialogue. I'm rather with serious dialogue for the sake of the country's interest and I'm serious in what I'm saying. I want a president and parliamentary elections and I want us to exit the dilemma that the country is going through. I want dialogue with results.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:06

    Hariri: There are things that must be discussed for the sake of the country and its citizens.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:04

    Hariri: I don't like populist stances but rather stances that serve the national interest. I take my decisions according to the country's interests.

  • 27 November 2014, 22:04

    Hariri: Dialogue is important and my dispute with Hizbullah is over its intervention in Syria, in addition to the STL, arms and the Resistance Brigades. I will not change my stance over these issues, but some things are important for the country and for protecting the country. Protecting the country is more important than Saad Hariri.

  • 27 November 2014, 21:58

    Hariri: The greatest grant that Iran can offer to the army would be asking Hizbullah to withdraw from Syria.

  • 27 November 2014, 21:56

    Hariri: The kingdom has always been generous towards Lebanon and we must thank King Abdullah. Saudi Arabia is in the service of all Lebanese.

  • 27 November 2014, 21:55

    Hariri: There are open credits for the army and all security forces and the rest is on the way. All agencies have announced their demands for combating terrorism and the army will receive 30 aircraft and ammunition.

  • 27 November 2014, 21:54

    Hariri on Saudi grant: King Abdullah surprised the Lebanese and the world with the grant offered to the army and the one who exerted efforts to that end was president Suleiman. Some have tried to say that the grant was delayed but some grants have been in the drawers of parliament for several years now. In the face of Arsal's clashes, King Abdullah saw that there is a need to combat terrorism.

  • 27 November 2014, 21:52

    Hariri: I will return to Lebanon but I'm the one who sets the date ... I will return very, very soon.

  • 27 November 2014, 21:51

    Hariri: There is hope and the dream of all the youths who took part in the March 14 (demonstration) will be achieved.

  • 27 November 2014, 21:50

    Al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri in an interview on LBCI: We will not give up and we're confident that we can build this country. Regardless of the problems and threats in Lebanon, there will come a day when we return to Lebanon to build it, the same as Rafik Hariri did. It is unacceptable to lose hope.

Comments 48
Default-user-icon + oua nabka+ (Guest) 27 November 2014, 22:08

grant = no obligations no commitment no conditions from both parties
otherwise if a grant is with all the above its no more a grant its blackmail and corruption
thank you ksa for the GRANT that we r still waiting for

Thumb ex-fpm 27 November 2014, 22:31

who reported it flame? OTV/Manar or you made it up as usual.

Default-user-icon + oua nabka + (Guest) 27 November 2014, 22:32

grant = no conditions what so ever
grant with conditions = blackmail and corruption

Thumb ex-fpm 27 November 2014, 22:48

and I am confident you have all the evidence;)

Missing ArabDemocrat.com 28 November 2014, 06:42

Try and google: Hezbollah corruption. PLO corruption. Google anything and you will find some nuthead (like you) who wrote something.

Thumb Mystic 27 November 2014, 23:14

This interview, sounds more like Hariri comforting his M14 followers. After all, things are not going so well for them lately. They lost their fight in Syria, and now he says Hezbollah should pull out, so the M14 plan for Syria can succeed.

Nice try Mr. Hariri, but King Abdollah will never be thanked. He is the reason we got all these takfiris in Lebanon to begin with.

Missing peace 27 November 2014, 23:19

lol

Thumb Mystic 27 November 2014, 23:26

Are you comfortable now peace?

Missing peace 27 November 2014, 23:28

yes i am miss tic, thanks for the big laugh... always good to be entertained by clowns like you....

Thumb Mystic 27 November 2014, 23:39

Well, glad to amuse you. I hope it was as amusing as this interview.

Missing peace 28 November 2014, 00:19

another interview of another useless lebanese politicians... all the same, but you follow one , i follow none...

Default-user-icon Iranian paymaster (Guest) 27 November 2014, 23:52

Mystic did you get flamethrower's old job? He's no longer posting as much as he used to using the flamethrower handle and you are keeping his kind of 14/16 hours shift. I need this information to prepare the payrolls and I need to know which name to use on the payment slip..

Thumb canadianpaul 28 November 2014, 01:30

Hey Mystic liar. How is your "engineer" doing? Got back to buidling stuff or is he still destroying stuff?

Missing humble 28 November 2014, 11:04

Any Christian who supports a traitor, is himself a traitor.

Thumb -phoenix1 28 November 2014, 11:48

(1). Mystic, I believe your post is done in reverse synchronism, the opposite is more true of the Syrian regime, for Hezbollah and for Hezbollah's Lebanese lackeys like the old man Aoun. Bashar Al Assad is barely able to hold his ground, sure, he is now indirectly aided by the allies' bombardment of ISIL, but now there is a borad coalition of minds that is taking the option of seriously arming the moderate Syrian opposition, how that will ultimately translate on the ground is not yet known to us, but for all intents and purposes Al Assad's chances have not improved an inch. Then here in Lebanon to focus on Hezbollah, contrary to what people like you are saying, Hezbollah is also on the wane and is at the moment in need of every possible help it could get, why?

Thumb -phoenix1 28 November 2014, 11:50

(2). Mystic.... Syria again and dwindling finances. Finally with the old chronic liar rubber stamper Aoun, his final death knell for the presidency came from the Saudis, the man will die without ever realizing his ultimate wish, and by the same token is blowing to bits most of Hezbollah's contingencies in Lebanon. Same goes for Iran whose anchor on Lebanese soil is now truly gone with Aoun's last kiss of death from the KSA. Hezbollah's partisans, plus those of the M8 ones that are inextricably tied to HA's intestines, cannot but try to put up a brave face in view of their reverses. I have used for decorum the word Brave, but as you may know, I could have used an altogether different word to describe HA and M8's reactions.

Thumb Mystic 28 November 2014, 16:19

phoenix, we are dwindling with them. We have 2 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, they continue to rise.

By the way, you seem to have a death wish for General Aoun and Hezbollah. I will tell you, like I told the rest of the M14 in here.

Dream on.

Thumb Mystic 28 November 2014, 16:39

slash, you seem to be waiting for my every comment, like a vulture. I thought it was me that lacked of a life? Mutwahshee mitla3 mab yeswo sermayte ya american.

Engineer is fine and well, he visited the sayeda zeinab shrine, shortly after his release.

Thumb -phoenix1 28 November 2014, 18:54

(2). Mystic. About Aoun? Ahhhh ya Mystic, the saddest part is that you guys are allied to a real clown, a person who has no integrity, but then, he is not my problem but yours and Sayed Hassan's, so deal with him. What I know for sure is this, he will never be president, but of course, he too can dream, so why not, president in his dreams, right?

Thumb -phoenix1 28 November 2014, 18:54

(1). Mystic, thanks for the dream part, man you are something, truly, actually I am dreaming these days because things are doing very very well for me in Africa, now my dream is to get that deal on the laying of miles and miles of fiber optic system and towers there, so yes, let's hope this dream comes true as it means employing many more Lebanese nationals, half of which are from my Shiite brothers. About Hezbollah, ya Mystic walaw, don't you read when I write? I have always maintained that after a gradual period of time, that it hands over it weapons to the army and continues only as a political party, this will definitely bring back that much needed balance in the country.

Missing Ghazanfar 27 November 2014, 23:41

and for the real score of winners and losers i yield the floor to the big sewer rat, take it away hassin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6ZTCtgg7Is

Default-user-icon True Lebanese (Guest) 27 November 2014, 23:57

“I don't like populist stances but rather stances that serve the national interest. I take my decisions according to the country's interests,”

Everything he said in the interview was populist with not an ounce of truth to it and it had nothing to do with national interests....unless it is saudi national interest of course.

Thumb beiruti 28 November 2014, 00:18

Hariri(Saudi Arabia) may be serious, but is Iran(Hezbollah)? My guess is that with Hezbollah's fighters all over the Middle East, from Baghdad to Aleppo, Damscus and Qalamoun, Iran is not interested in a reinvigorated Lebanese state at a time when Hezbollah is at it's weakest point inside of its host country, Levanon. With the Iranian nuclear talks in recess until June 2015 and Iran needing Hezbollah as leverage in those talks, Iran will continue to direct FPM to boycott electoral sessions under the flimsiest of pretexts, until their nuclear program is secure.

Default-user-icon CFTC (Guest) 28 November 2014, 10:14

more accurate to say saniora, daher and fatfat are 'nothing in Lebanon today' (-:

Default-user-icon barhoum (Guest) 28 November 2014, 00:18

well, if you want the Christians to agree on a candidate, why don't you let them elect the president, not hire someone by outside power!

Thumb Elemental 28 November 2014, 00:50

Sad reality of Lebanon: Iranian blood is more valued than Lebanese blood, and unfortunately I won't believe a single word from either until a Lebanese citizen can speak freely without being at risk of death.

Thumb cash.puppet 28 November 2014, 02:09

Now he's waking up to wanting dialogue, lmao. Did the order come in from
Riyadh? What a joke

Default-user-icon sami (Guest) 28 November 2014, 03:16

What do you mean "now" he's offered to have a dialogue with the Iranian jihadist mercenaries at least three times before this year alone starting in January in la Hague, again in August and then again in October.

Thumb -phoenix1 28 November 2014, 11:54

FD, I suppose the same goes for your Hezbollah led M8, but in this case the orders come from more than one place, masalan Tehran, Damascus to name a few.

Thumb cash.puppet 28 November 2014, 14:22

Sure thats the flip side of the coin, and its not so much that they are "my" HA.. its just that the other side are conniving liars, in bed with the biggest war machine on the planet. Full stop.

Thumb cash.puppet 28 November 2014, 14:25

At least HA openly admits and defends their alliances ya Phoenix... until Geagea says he is allied with Netanyahu, they are not on the same level. Sorry.

Thumb -phoenix1 28 November 2014, 16:07

No ya FD, Geagea is not allied with Netanyahu, but to the KSA and with those who stand in the path of Hezbollah and Aounist expansionism. M8, led by HA and its top cadres are as proficient in the art of lying, sorry, but that is the very stark and brazen truth.

Thumb Mystic 28 November 2014, 16:15

Phoenix, who is Israel allied with? The Americans, whom are also allied with KSA. Just like you LF boys are. Funny you claim to be pure christian, when you support a Wahabi kingdom.

Thumb cash.puppet 28 November 2014, 16:33

Oh please. I know you are no fool Phoenix so I wont take you for one. USA/Israel/Saudi are one axis, thus yes he is allied to them. The worst part is that he acts all independent though. Doesn't matter, like I said, you will convince yourself whatever you want and you already have your mind made up no matter what, even though the facts are in your face.

Thumb Mystic 28 November 2014, 16:50

crash, let's we have a little reminder of Israels allys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0_NJaLhb4&spfreload=10 Bachir Gemayel, with his own words in English. In this video, he claims the LF and the USA are fighting for the same values.

Thumb -phoenix1 28 November 2014, 19:03

FD, Mystic, hypothesis and facts are two different things you see? There is NO proof that Geagea is allied to Netanyahu or even has any contacts, give me facts and I'll verify then decide. Most of the Arab states have direct contacts with Israel and I don't see Hezbollah pulling out of these countries, or even Iran doing so either, so by default it means Iran is betraying us all by having diplomatic representations there, right? Ah, wou kamen, Iran is talking with the US, posing in photo shoots with US officials, so why is it doing so if not to get itself off the hook. That sounds familiar no? Betrayal could I dare say? Then ya Mystic, I am no LF fanboy, maybe you are a Samsung fanboy, but I am a true LF, who carried guns and weapons and fought you and your masters during the war, but the fact that I am talking to you means that I am no rigid person as you want people to believe, and believe me, they don't believe you.

Thumb cash.puppet 28 November 2014, 20:03

In short M14 and LF's goals have NOTHING to do with independence of Lebanon. After all, if we are beholden to Western banks and corporations and governments, are we independent? Hell no. On the contrary, their sole missions as stated by their masters is smear Hezbollah and defeat any resistance to their complete take over through media and brainwashing. This is reality whether you choose to accept it or not. We all know what the other side is (backed by Iran), and they do not deny it. But geagea and hariri are like little weasels shouting "7oriyeh siyedeh iti2lel" with their only goal defeating fellow Lebanese whom they are racist against anyway.

Thumb cash.puppet 28 November 2014, 20:26

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2011/04/08/exclusive-to-veterans-today-lebanon-wiki-cables-tell-of-treason-us-interference/

Default-user-icon Hassan (Guest) 28 November 2014, 05:10

This guy must be drunk or on some drugs . We all know who ISIS is boy. ISIS was created by the regime you say . This man is a traitor scum saudi boy whos money and masters are the same as ISIS masters .. ...... 14 Da3esh ... Hope to see the day the saudis are dragged in the streets ..

Thumb sophia_angle 28 November 2014, 09:34

just an info for all, GMA is the president "." let them take all the time they need to understand this, they can do it in 1mn or 20 yrs add ma God will give him age...but to the haters GMA is immortal :)

Thumb ex-fpm 28 November 2014, 09:38

he talks about ethics when he has none!

Missing humble 28 November 2014, 10:26

This is the declaration of someone who is a real stateman and a true patriotic leader.

Missing humble 28 November 2014, 10:27

This is the declaration of someone who is a real stateman and a true patriotic leader

Missing humble 28 November 2014, 11:03

Any Christian who supports a traitor, is himself a traitor.

Missing humble 28 November 2014, 11:06

The Caporal will never ever become president : he is a born loser.

Thumb -phoenix1 28 November 2014, 11:55

Humble, the Corporal is a born liar, he won't go far, thus, a miserable born looser as you rightly pointed out.

Default-user-icon + oua nabka + (Guest) 28 November 2014, 11:51

Consensual President is the Solution for Lebanon and you should add also a consensual prime minister and a consensual head of parliament
just for the sake of equality
god bless democracy

Default-user-icon sadr (Guest) 28 November 2014, 15:06

a consensual prime minister, mikati?

consensual president? aoun insisted that he will only run if he was a consensual president that is until nasrallah announced him as m8's candidate. who shall we believe aoun or nasrallah? the answer is obvious, any m8 president need the blessings of the defacto supreme leader.