Aoun Slams Attempt to 'Deprive Christians of Appointing Their Representatives'

W460

Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun on Monday warned that there is an attempt to “usurp the rights of Christians,” amid controversy over the presidency and the appointment of senior security and military officials.

“Today we're witnessing an attempt to usurp the rights of Christians through depriving them of appointing their representatives in state institutions,” said Aoun during a ceremony organized by the FPM's finance committee.

“This elimination of the strong Christian posts that can consolidate the status of Christians is aimed at eliminating the Christian leaders,” Aoun added.

Himself a presidential candidate, the FPM leader is insisting on the election of a so-called “strong” president.

The FPM has also threatened to boycott cabinet sessions if the agenda is not topped with the appointment of high-ranking security and military officials.

Aoun has been lobbying for political consensus on the appointment of Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz, his son-in-law, as army chief as part of a package for the appointment of other top security officers.

Roukoz's tenure ends in October while the term of army commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji expires at the end of September.

Baabda Palace has been vacant since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May last year.

The MPs of Aoun's Change and Reform bloc in addition to Hizbullah and other lawmakers from the March 8 alliance have been boycotting the presidential polls over their call for a prior agreement on a consensual candidate.

Y.R.

Comments 11
Missing sako 30 June 2015, 07:41

Selfish persons are incapable of loving others, but they are not capable of loving themselves either......... selfish

Default-user-icon roukuz (Guest) 30 June 2015, 07:44

I wonder where you are and how you are dear flamethrower as you lay in pieces and tranquility at your final resting place.... RIP Shia Hero

Missing iranian.patriot 30 June 2015, 08:01

may you be deprived of whatever is left from your miserable life.

Default-user-icon ze.money.iz.here (Guest) 30 June 2015, 11:26

i love your comments

Thumb Machia 30 June 2015, 11:49

I happen to be born Lebanese Christian and I think that Aoun is representative of many Lebanese, however, I do not agree with a majority of his policies.
I certainly do not agree with his oligarchal tendencies. The imposition of both his sons in law on the Lebanese people is a scandal.
Moreover, I would agree that his alliance with Hezbollah help prevent civil strife and it is fair to say that other Lebanese politicians are not better than him, although some independents are.
What Lebanon really needs is not "strong leaders" but strong institutions.
Strong leaders encourage corruption, strong institutions encourage development.

Thumb Machia 30 June 2015, 11:56

Today there is no accountability in Lebanon. Corruption is the norm and companies cannot grow in a country where law and order is trampled upon. Aoun and his party are the new sectarian looters and they are doing a great job. Berri and his party should be jealous.

Thumb -phoenix1 30 June 2015, 15:10

(1). Ya Aoun, you truly must be the planet's most absurd clown ever. Not only that, but you're being absolutely delusional and totally connected with the realities of your role as a saboteur of all things meant to stabilize Lebanon and by default though the interests of its Christians. Since you were appointed by ex-president Gemayel as Interim PM, you did nothing but screw up this country, starting with its very Christians. You went from one catastrophe to another and made this country pay the highest price. When you can back in 2005, the Christians had galvanized their much-needed unity, till that black Saturday when you set foot again on Lebanese soil, you went about screwing up again. I am tempted ya Aoun to ask you who in the very first place has and is still jeopardizing the very survival of the Christians of Lebanon, whom but you ya general?!

Thumb -phoenix1 30 June 2015, 15:12

***...and totally disconnected with the realities...***

Thumb -phoenix1 30 June 2015, 15:13

***...meant to destabilize Lebanon....***

Thumb -phoenix1 30 June 2015, 15:12

(2). Ya Aoun. Who has been keeping the election of a new president in abeyance but you ya general?! Who is now crippling the nations constitutional institutions but you? Who is causing this nation so much anxiety and concern but you? Who is the one that says one thing only to recant a few seconds later but you? Aoun, you cannot and never will be president, never, not even for a minute, Ya Aoun, so stop playing your dirty games, you do not forget, you're just wasting time with statements that no longer mean anything but wasted air. You're completely insane ya Aoun, beyond repair.

Missing peace 30 June 2015, 16:48

since 1943 extremist christian leaders have been scaring christians about their rights to have power over them... aoun is just continuing that habit...