Geagea Says Bassil Attacking LF for Impeding 'Power Ships Deal'

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has lashed out at Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Jebran Bassil, saying the latter is “attacking” the LF's ministers in connection with their role in blocking what he called the “power ships deal.”

“If you want to know the motive behind Bassil's attack on the LF's ministers, from health to social affairs, look for the power ships deal. The more we stand our ground in the face of the shady deal, the more the campaigns against us increase,” Geagea said in an interview with al-Markazia news agency.

“Amid his impotence in addressing the refugee file, and the procrastination of the defense, interior and foreign affairs ministries, he is throwing the entire crisis at the Social Affairs Ministry, whose jurisdiction in this regard is limited to following on the refugees' social situations exclusively,” the LF leader added.

He noted that returning the refugees to Syria requires a “sovereign Lebanese decision.”

“It should task the competent ministries with the implementation,” Geagea added, noting that Bassil should talk to Turkey and Jordan on the issue of returning anti-regime refugees to northern and southern Syria.

“What has he done in this regard? Nothing other than exploiting such a dangerous file to attack the Social Affairs Ministry and divert attention from his negligence,” the LF leader went on to say.

He however noted that the LF's communication will continue with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and “even Bassil.”

“The relation between the LF and the FPM is bigger than persons and individuals and no one has the right to manipulate it for personal gains. We are exerting utmost efforts to distance this relation from bickering,” Geagea added.