Geagea: Indictment Won't Ruin the Country, Those Saying That Intend to Wreak Havoc

It is not the indictment to be issued by the prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon that will ruin the country, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has said, noting that "those who are claiming that have the intention to wreak havoc" in Lebanon.

Geagea played down "threats" in that regard, stressing that the State has the capability to prevent any Lebanese group from using force to oppress any other Lebanese group.

In an interview with the Central News Agency, the LF leader added: "I don't understand how the indictment would lead to sectarian strife, as the top Sunni leader in Lebanon, (Premier) Saad Hariri, reiterates everyday that he's against sectarian strife and won't allow it."

Asked about the possibility of Hizbullah resorting to violence upon the indictment's issuance, Geagea said Hizbullah must act through "hiring lawyers and collecting evidences."

"Up till now, no one has hinted that the right to self-defense before the tribunal doesn't exist," Geagea noted, adding that the indictment must not be faced "through violence in Beirut's streets."

Answering a question, Geagea said he does not plan to visit the Iranian Embassy in Beirut at the moment, noting that "the gates of Maarab are open to the Iranian ambassador in case he decided to pay a visit."

"Political stance is something and maintaining the channels of communication is something else," he added.

Commenting on the issue of LBC television's ownership, Geagea described the case as "purely legal and judicial," declining to comment on the recent remarks of LBC Chairman Pierre Daher.

"Anything that happens outside the judiciary is a waste of time" and an attempt at diverting attention, said Geagea.