Franjieh Says No Oil in Lebanon, Launches Fiercest Attack Yet on FPM

W460

Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh on Monday alleged that there are no offshore oil or gas reserves in Lebanon and launched his fiercest attack ever on his one-time allies the Free Patriotic Movement.

His stances were voiced during a press conference he held to comment on the controversy over the counterfeit fuel file.

The head of the Energy Ministry's oil facilities department "Sarkis Hleis will appear before the judiciary, but not before the justice of (FPM chief) Jebran Bassil and the judges of Jebran Bassil," Franjieh said.

Noting that he believes in Hleis' "innocence," Franjieh said his movement's conscience is "very clear."

"The judiciary will decide whether Sarkis Hleis is guilty or not and we consider the counterfeit fuel file a politicized file, because the side and judges who raised it are known," Franjieh added.

"In the fuel file, six ministers belong to the FPM. Don't these ministers bear any responsibility in this file?" Franjieh asked.

Turning to the issue of offshore oil and gas exploration, the Marada chief dropped the bombshell claim that Lebanon "is not an oil country."

"And there is no trace of gas in it. They are lying to you and I bear the responsibility for my words," he added.

Addressing the FPM, Franjieh went on to say: “You lied to people in 1989 and you destroyed Lebanon and the Christian regions. You lied to people in 2005 and now you are lying to people. Your strength was based on popular support and today your strength stems from being in power. But when power goes, you will become equivalent to nothing and if the judiciary won't put you on trial history will.”

“If you want war we are ready and if you want peace we are ready. But you are weak and cowardly and history will not be merciful towards you,” he added.

SourceNaharnet
Comments 8
Thumb liberty 11 May 2020, 16:14

Franjieh Says No Oil in Lebanon

Poor Bassil, his heroics did not pay off, lol !

Thumb janoubi 11 May 2020, 16:21

No Oil in Lebanon.... who would have guessed...

Regardless, with this kind of news finally out, expect the Dollar to skyrocket...

Missing rabiosa 11 May 2020, 17:25

Presidential politics at it's best. I guess the countdown has started. He knows his chief rival for the "ceremonial" post is Jibran Bassil.

Anyone notices how when he said...."Your strength was based on popular support and today your strength stems from being in power. But when power goes, you will become equivalent to nothing and if the judiciary won't put you on trial history will.” The funny thing is he never mentioned that Hizbos "Power" and shenanigans, brought them to power and to the Palace in Baabda. Isn't he also backed by them and currying favors now so he can be carried in 3 years time to Baabda as well.

Missing rabiosa 11 May 2020, 17:25

Presidential politics at it's best. I guess the countdown has started. He knows his chief rival for the "ceremonial" post is Jibran Bassil.

Anyone notices how when he said...."Your strength was based on popular support and today your strength stems from being in power. But when power goes, you will become equivalent to nothing and if the judiciary won't put you on trial history will.” The funny thing is he never mentioned that Hizbos "Power" and shenanigans, brought them to power and to the Palace in Baabda. Isn't he also backed by them and currying favors now so he can be carried in 3 years time to Baabda as well.

Missing thatisit 11 May 2020, 17:26

We have olive oil and we have a lot of gas from millions of farting refugees and uncontrolled population growth along the southern suburbs of Beirut from multiple marriages deemed ok by a religion thinking that they will take over the world by popping 10 babies per marriage...legal or otherwise

Thumb galaxy 11 May 2020, 17:46

There is no honor among thieves

Missing samiam 11 May 2020, 18:34

Franjieh taking shots are FPM and calling it the way it is. Well done---now let's see FPM's remark calling it baseless and will wait to see it with judiciary.

(Ironic since he called out FPM and the judges too).

Missing un520 11 May 2020, 20:33

It this the same guy who just a couple of years ago called Aoun his "father" or something like that? Besides, it is no problem to lie to the Lebanese people about oil and gas, but if they manage to lie to international companies and fool them into drilling.....come on, Mr Franjieh, you can do better than this!