Bassil Calls for Elimination of Sectarianism, Formation of Civil State
Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil called for “abolishing sectarianism” and stressed that Lebanon can only be governed with “partnership” among its political parties.
“Lebanon can not survive with multiple (political) bi-polarities. Lebanon can only survive with Christian-Muslim partnership,” stressed Bassil in a televised press interview on Friday.
The Minister and head of the Free Patriotic Movement suggested “abolishing political sectarianism without amending the Constitution in order to preserve equilibrium between Muslims and Christians.”
He said attempts aiming to create enmity and divisions among the Lebanese “will be thwarted,” and stressed that Lebanon is a country based on equilibrium among its political parties.
Calling for the formation of a civil State, the Minister said: “We support (political) equilibrium. We have no sectarian backgrounds. We can develop into a civil State. A civil State is a salvation for Lebanon.”
Slamming accusations of overthrowing the Constitution, he said: “Accusation of overthrowing the Constitution originate from those who create new norms. The Constitution rules our daily lives and we have no intention of overthrowing it.”
On the FPM's ties with Hizbullah, Bassil noted: “ We will not allow anyone to create a problem between us and Hizbullah or isolate any sect in Lebanon. Agreement with Hizbullah remains a strategic necessity to protect the country.”
Bassil also stressed adherence to the FPM's ties with al-Mustaqbal Movement.
Source: Naharnet
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/241392 |