Geagea Says Kidnapping of Foreigners Sign that ‘Illegitimate Arms’ Hinder State Establishment

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stressed on Thursday that the abduction of the seven Estonian tourists is a clear sign that “illegitimate arms” are hindering the establishment of a real state.

In remarks to a delegation of students from the Lebanese University, Geagea wondered whether it was natural for foreigners to be kidnapped in the country 21 years after the end of the civil war.

“Isn’t this move a clear sign that an actual state is non-existent in Lebanon?” he asked.

“Doesn’t this provide further proof from among a series of evidence that inform us every day that the presence of illegitimate weapons and decisions outside the control of the state are hindering the establishment of a real state?” he wondered.

Geagea also slammed illegal construction on state property in several regions, saying it wasn’t a coincidence that such an activity was taking place in areas where there is an “illegitimate authority,” in reference to Hizbullah.

The LF leader advised the students not to emigrate and urged those planning to work abroad to return to their home country after a few years and make investments in Lebanon and help in the society’s development.

Geagea reiterated that Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali al-Shami should “give the appropriate instructions to involved institutions at his ministry to continue with the necessary preparations that allow non-resident Lebanese to vote.”

“This demand is the legitimate right of Lebanese expatriates and it is the duty of the Lebanese state to guarantee ways to exercise it,” he said.