Adwan Says Agreement with Aoun Protects Taef Accord, Prevents 'Constituent Assembly'

W460

Lebanese Forces deputy chief MP George Adwan noted Sunday that the LF's latest rapprochement with its long-time Christian rival the Free Patriotic Movement has the ability to preserve the Taef Accord – the country's post-civil war constitution – and to prevent any attempt to impose a so-called constituent assembly.

“We have turned the page on the constituent assembly and we are committed to the Taef Accord which (FPM founder) General (Michel) Aoun has endorsed through his agreement with the LF,” said Adwan in an interview on MTV.

“Our first choice is building the state according to the ten points on which we have agreed with General Aoun,” he added.

In a surprise development, LF leader Samir Geagea endorsed Aoun's presidential bid during a landmark ceremony in Maarab last month. The declaration followed months of rapprochement talks between the two parties and a so-called Declaration of Intent joint paper.

Some observers have suggested that Geagea's move came in response to al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri's proposal to nominate Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh for the presidency although the LF chief has denied this.

“The presidential vote will remain shelved until someone convinces Franjieh to withdraw and we are facing a continued vacuum,” Adwan said on Sunday.

“Franjieh's withdrawal would facilitate rapprochement between al-Mustaqbal and General Aoun,” he noted.

“The real candidate today is General Aoun and vacuum is the main enemy for all Lebanese,” Adwan warned.

He also revealed that the LF was seeking to convince Aoun to “show openness towards al-Mustaqbal” in a bid to boost his chances to reach the Baabda Palace.

“After the Maarab meeting, General Aoun has become the strongest Christian candidate for the presidency,” Adwan added.

“Together with General Aoun we have reached a common national place and the LF's nomination of Aoun has nothing to do with the nomination of MP Franjieh,” he went on to say.

Moreover, Adwan stressed that the LF is “keen” on its ties with al-Mustaqbal and the Kataeb Party, noting that it has never been “in disagreement with them.”

As for the relation with Hizbullah in light of the rapprochement with Aoun, Adwan described Hizbullah as an “essential component” of the country.

“We have to coexist with it despite the points of contention and the disagreements can only be resolved through dialogue,” Adwan added.

Y.R.

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