Report: Geagea Likely to Visit Baabda

In light of conflicts lingering between the Lebanese Forces and Free Patriotic Movement over government shares, LF chief Samir Geagea will likely visit President Michel Aoun (FPM founder) at the Baabda Palace, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Saturday.

The possibility of “Geagea’s visit to Baabda does stand, but the date has not been set yet,” LF sources told the daily on condition of anonymity.

“Some preparations must be completed in order to make this visit happen and it may take place anytime,” they added.

On the other hand, the daily said that a suggestion has been made to grant four portfolios to the Lebanese Forces, including the ministry of defense.

The LF insists on having five portfolios in the new Cabinet to be formed by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, a demand which the FPM contests.

The LF insists on “proper representation in the new Cabinet in light of the parliamentary elections outcome,” which produced dramatic success for the party almost doubling its national seats.

Ties have been strained between the two political parties, who joined their efforts under the so-called landmark Maarab Agreement that brought Aoun to the presidential post.

However, talks between the FPM and LF representatives have appeased tension and dissipated fears “threatening” the agreement.

On Friday, Geagea referred to the controversy over the agreement with the FPM, saying the LF “support the agreement until the end but we also want to protect the state's sovereignty, people's interests and the bread of the poor and to combat the waste of public money and corruption.”