Bassil says Lebanese political system cannot be sustained

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil has said that Lebanon’s political system is “paralyzed” and “cannot be sustained.”

In an interview with al-Mayadeen TV aired overnight, Bassil added that he believes that “there is integration between the project of protecting the arms that protect the state” and “the priority of building the state.”

“Lebanon cannot stand idly by regarding Israel. As long as Israel is practicing its arrogance in the region and at Lebanon’s expense, Lebanon can only be at the heart of the conflict with it,” Bassil added.

Separately, the FPM chief said that “there is a U.S. decision to prevent a total collapse of Lebanon while refraining from reviving it in a sufficient manner.” He added that he does not expect the U.S. sanctions on him to be lifted before Lebanon’s presidential election, describing them as a “political decision.”

As for the parliamentary elections, Bassil said that “so far,” he does not see “any financial Saudi interference in the elections.”

Asked about his expected visit to Syria, the FPM chief said “it will come at the appropriate time after the elections,” noting that it would be “in Lebanon’s interest at the economic and political levels.”

As for his tensions with Speaker Nabih Berri, Bassil said: “How can we consider that we are a majority along with Speaker Nabih Berri while we are extremely at odds in politics?”

“Nothing necessitates re-electing Speaker Berri again for his post,” the FPM chief added.