Geagea Doesn't Regret Aoun Nomination, Voices Caution over Govt. Ouster

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea announced Monday that he does not regret nominating President Michel Aoun for the presidency prior to his election and voiced caution over the possibility of toppling Hassan Diab's government.

“The issue is not about Hassan Diab's government and if its ouster would improve the situation we won't cling to it,” Geagea said in an interview with Al-Arabiya TV.

“We have to judge things file by file and we are awaiting this government's actions,” he added.

“The government has not achieved anything important until now and who will succeed Hassan Diab? No one knows, that's why things must be dealt with in a pragmatic way,” he went on to say.

Noting that a front against Hizbullah is an “extreme necessity,” the LF leader said such a front cannot be formed according to “half an agreement” with the other opposition parties.

“Half an agreement would not be in anyone's interest and we are in constant communication with the parties to form a front, including al-Mustaqbal Movement and the Progressive Socialist Party,” he added.

“We are being patient this time about the formation of a front because we want a clear agreement and practical steps, and as for the street, we are at its heart and we agree with it on all matters,” Geagea said.

He also noted that he does not regret endorsing Aoun for the presidency for a single moment, adding that Aoun “is part of a problem and there are several problems that led us into the current situation.”