Bassil: I'll do what's in the interest of the FPM in the elections

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil,/ stated in an interview on Al-Jadeed TV that the FPM is "much stronger outside of power."

"Only our presence in government weakened us popularly. Similarly, nothing weakened President Michel Aoun except his time in office; he was stronger before the presidency," Bassil said.

Bassil argued that the problem with Hezbollah is their belief that "their weapons are tied to their existence or honor." He suggested that to change this, the "other side" must prove they do not accept Israeli actions.

He described current negotiations as "regressive and submissive," asserting that the FPM supports a "just and true peace that secures Lebanon's rights."

Noting that "Hezbollah is a social environment, not just weapons," and warned against incitement, Bassil stated that "no matter what you take from them, you cannot strip their ability to fight for survival."

Bassil also called the Lebanese Army "sacred" and warned against attempts to drag it into conflict with Hezbollah.

"When I shook hands with Hezbollah, I did it for Lebanon, not Iran. Former Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was a decision-maker in the 'Axis,' but after his martyrdom, it appears the entire Axis was martyred," Bassil added.

He criticized the "Unity of Arenas," saying it brought only "woes" to Lebanon and noted that the Syrian regime did not support Nasrallah in the "Support War" that he launched in soldiarity with Gaza.

As for the parliamentary elections, Bassil admitted that some forces intend to delay the elections by a year or two.

Regarding his own strategy, he said: "Internally, I would not rename Nabih Berri for Speaker, but if the Shiite sect is being targeted, I would. No one can prevent me from allying with Hezbollah, nor can anyone force me. I will do what is in the interest of the Free Patriotic Movement."