Geagea Says Meeting Hariri Turned New Leaf in Relations

Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea said a new leaf of relations has been turned with al-Mustaqbal Movement leader and Prime Minister Saad Hariri following Tuesday's meeting, assuring that ties have “never been completely broken” between them.

“Ties have returned back to normal”, said Geagea on a weekly political talk-show Interviews, aired on Harris-owned Future TV.

A meeting between the two men took place Tuesday in the presence of Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat, Saudi royal envoy Nizar al-Aloula and Saudi charge d'affaires Walid al-Bukhari.

The meeting came following the inauguration ceremony of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Avenue in Beirut's Minet El Hosn area.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Hariri, Geagea, Jumblat, al-Aloula, al-Bukhari and several officials.

“The inauguration of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Avenue is an indication of the return of Saudi Arabia to Lebanon, all thanks to Hariri's efforts where the meeting took place on the sidelines of the event,” said Geagea.

The LF chief affirmed that “contacts between his party and al-Mustabqal were not normal, but they were never completely broken. While I was standing there at the ceremony, I was wondering why did that all happen as long as we went back to where we were.”

“Jumblat's presence at the meeting was key,” said Geagea, adding “I discussed all political issues with Hariri. The way has been paved to discuss things the way they should. We have differences on a number of issues regarding the State's administration and CEDRE conference. The country needs a series of reforms to improve the internal economy. "

Mustaqbal-LF ties took a U-turn in November after Hariri's resignation from Riyadh which he rescinded later. Reports have alleged that Geagea was partly to blame for the move.