Report: Maarab Meeting Sparks Confusion among March 8, 14 Camps

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The Maarab meeting that saw Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea endorse long-term rival Change and Reform bloc chief MP Michel Aoun as president has created “confusion” among the March 8 and 14 coalitions, reported the Kuwaiti al-Anba daily on Sunday.

Independent parliamentary sources told the daily that this “confusion” prompted the two camps to halt their “drive in endorsing either Aoun or Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh as president.”

“They are currently awaiting the severe regional changes to affect the internal Lebanese scene,” they explained.

Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance bloc has not yet announced its stance on the Maarab meeting.

Geagea on Friday said that his endorsement of Aoun will serve as a “great test” to Hizbullah in demonstrating just how committed it is to its ally Aoun and his candidacy for the country's top post.

Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.

The next electoral session is set for February 8.

Geagea's backing for Aoun has been seen as an attempt to end the impasse over the presidency.

Comments 9
Thumb justin 8 years

"They have 2 of their own candidates ( Aoun and Franjieh ) nominated and supported by M14 and they are still confused and don't know if they will attend the presidential elections session."

LOL

Missing humble 8 years

Can the Caporal tell Ebola to quit Syria? Never.
Can the Caporal tell Ebola to surrender its weapons to the Lebanese Army ? Never.
Can the Caporal tell Ebola to stop receiving orders from Iran ? Never.

Geagea forgot one thing: the psychology of this mareedman who wants to become president at any cost and who will promise the moon and never hold his promises...
Historical Mistake for the whole LF....(whom I appreciate as protectors of the Christians)...they are going to pay a dear price!!!

Missing helicopter 8 years

humble, I see where you are coming from. But also remember that Aoun likes power and when he becomes President the only party/militia/Jihadists that will be in his way is HA and that will strain the relationship with them to the point that HA (and its stooge posters here) will start calling Aoun a Sa3oodi just like they did with President Sleiman when he stood up to them. If we learn anything here is that nothing stays the same once roles are changed.

Thumb nonabel. 8 years

Thanks for the friendship. As always, I do wish you well!

Missing helicopter 8 years

Hezb fears a strong Lebanon as Darkness fears the light

Thumb Maxx 8 years

Hands down, the most non-sectarian comment around here. Kudos to you Sir Spamalot!

Thumb Machia 8 years

What both March 8 and 14 are confused about is the united Maronite front that is powerful. Franjieh should join them asap and not think about personal interest...unless Hezbollah and Assad are asking him not to to so.
I know he is saying that he is still in the race, despite Syria and Hezbollah but I doubt it.
In this sectarian country, a strong Christian voice is needed.

Default-user-icon PEACE (Guest) 8 years

Christians in
Lebanon have this chance to show solidarity and union to choose one president (name is no more a priority)

Default-user-icon Phil (Guest) 8 years

Thankfully for all the sincere supporters of Aoun, from Nasrallah to Geagea, he is more than 80 years old and also not invulnerable to a blast. Samaha may be relatively out but other car bomb virtuosi are still at large.