Marada Seeks to Confront 'Elimination' as LF Reconciliation Looms

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Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh are expected to hold a historic meeting soon that would turn the page on decades of animosity between the two Christian parties.

“Rapprochement between Marada and the LF is a positive factor and there could be a meeting soon between Geagea and Suleiman Franjieh, whose house remains open to everyone, and he welcomes all forces that seek to engage in dialogue with him,” Marada official and ex-MP Karim al-Rassi told al-Joumhouria daily in remarks published Sunday.

Stressing the importance of “building a broad Christian coalition to confront this elimination onslaught,” in an apparent jab at the Free Patriotic Movement, al-Rassi noted that “the only leader who can bring Christians together is Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, who played this role during a certain period.”

Al-Rassi added: “It is in the interest of all Christians to agree on defining red lines that do not allow any party or component to cross them, and we need to restore the confidence of Christians in their country and state.”

Marada accuses Geagea of playing a role in the 1978 Ehden Massacre that resulted in the death of Tony Franjieh, his wife and his three-year old baby in addition to dozens of Marada supporters. The LF denies the allegations.