Aoun to Form 'National Front' to Defend Constitution, Says Qahwaji Term Extension 'Illegitimate'
Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun on Tuesday announced that he intends to form a “national front” to defend the constitution and prevent “the disintegration of the state,” describing the mechanism devised to extend the term of Army chief General Jean Qahwaji as “illegitimate.”
“We want to immunize the military institution against those who want to tamper with its hierarchy and are issuing edicts that are harming the military hierarchy and manipulating the law,” said Aoun after the weekly meeting of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc.
“The dangerous thing is that the high-ranking authorities are behind the manipulation of law and they cannot be entrusted with the constitution or the laws,” Aoun lamented.
He noted that “claims that they're seeking to avoid vacuum are a big lie and the issue (of extending Qahwaji's term) should have been at least raised in cabinet.”
“There is no need for this battle or for bypassing the laws,” Aoun added.
“What will we achieve? Will the illegitimate step create new legitimacy? No. Anything based on an illegitimate decision would be illegitimate and can be challenged according to the laws,” he went on to say.
Aoun reiterated that his stance is “based on principles,” reminding that he had rejected any extension of the term of former Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi.
“We can't reject the extension of the ISF chief's term and accept to extend the terms of the army commander or the chief of staff. When they want to criticize our stance that is based on principles, they claim that we are against Sunnis or Shiites, but we have principles in our genes and our path is straightforward,” Aoun added.
“Constitutional violations are tantamount to a white coup that is aimed at seizing control of the constitutional powers ... and we will not remain silent over this coup,” he pledged.
The FPM leader stressed that all laws must be compatible with the constitution and “whoever tampers with the laws would be tampering with the foundations of the state.”
“They are dismantling the state and all state officials are with extension, which is a totally disgraceful thing. We claim that we have a state that was established in 1926, prior to the foundation of Israel which claims to be the sole democratic state in the Middle East,” Aoun added.
He noted that any ruler must be “a role model for respecting the laws and must be the guardian of the constitution and laws and must abide by them.”
“Gradual extension has become a rule for those who have lust for power and we don't know when will this rule come to an end,” Aoun said, referring to the recent extension of parliament's term.
“We have decided to form a national front for defending the constitution, which would consist of individuals who are representative of their society, with the aim of preserving our state and preventing its disintegration,” Aoun announced.
He noted that the decree to extend Qahwaji's term violates Article 65 of the Constitution and “this should send the minister concerned to court.”
Caretaker Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn is expected to sign a decree on Wednesday that would postpone the retirement of Qahwaji for at least one year.
“We have taken the decision of confronting any violation committed by the constitutional authorities because we will not give up our land or identity,” Aoun vowed.
Asked about the state's handling of the aggravating Syrian refugee crisis, Aoun reminded of his previous warnings about Lebanon's limited ability to cope with the refugee influx, saying “let them weep over the situation of the refugees.”
“They must realize that good governance must happen through confronting any situation on time,” he noted.
over 10 years
if saying the truth as is being a hate monger, then so be it.
aoun is upset for being unable to appoint his son in law as army chief.
just imagine aoun, an Iranian terrorist militia supporter, wants to appoint the army chief!
what does that tell you guys?
over 10 years
who talked about his son in law? he is talking about respecting the law, keeping a key official in place after his retirement age is not legal, and there are hundreds of officers who could be promoted.
but then again, we all know M14 is all about blocking the normal functioning of institutions, and then crying that they are being undermined.
over 10 years
Wow you claim to know the truth! If there is one thing that is certain in Lebanon is that truth is an illusion. Truth what truth?
Look at the state of our country! In fact look at the state of naharnet. If people here are so divided in their "opinions" because of all the "truth" they claim to believe then Lebanon has no hope.
Lebanon is filled with corrupt politicans and sheep that are herded up to their annihilation completely clueless of what's happening. This my friend is the only truth.
You keep defending your leaders everyone. Please continue in facilitatimg the destruction of our beloved country.
over 10 years
mowaten: whatever.....
you talk to say nothing of substance!
everyone knows his agenda: he wants his son in law as army chief, and he is the judas supporting the Iranian terrorist militia.
and that's it. everything else means nothing....
over 10 years
yea, "whatever" really sums up your arguments actually.
the law is not of substance, blocking the institutions is not of substance, who cares about laws and institutions huh? :)
but some speculation about his intentions, this is substantial.
over 10 years
I wonder why such a big fuss about one extension for one year. There are so many ILLGELAL things in the country. From the Hezbollah arsenal to the four wanted terrorists at the Hague. No to mention the phat rat in hiding....
Aoun, stop your nonesense because you fled the army and left your men die behind. You didn't get judged, yet you comment on the institution and Qahwaji who didn't do anything comparable to your lowesness.
over 10 years
Wow Motormouth...your quite a bitter & frustrated individual. Take a deep breath!
over 10 years
lol, geha must love the "substance" you bring into the debate.
over 10 years
Movaten of Isfahan. This is no forum nor a tea room. Nobody's here to debate but to comment news articles.
over 10 years
Hehehe -.FT.-
Unlike you, I'm not getting monthly shekels to comment.
I commented about the article one hour ago. Check it out and don't forget to rate it!
Much appreciated.
over 10 years
ben of zona, if you dont want to "debate" dont argue, just say your comment and GTFO, because when we exhange multiple comments with arguments and counter-arguments, that's called debating.
but maybe it's the language barrier, so i'll say it in your people's tongue: דיון
over 10 years
@moowateh... you said "who ever talked about his son in law" :)
Aoun however volunteered the name of “Brigadier-General Chamel Roukoz,” who “has a CV” that could be reviewed by executive authorities “should they decide to appoint him as army commander”.
“And this has nothing to do with him being my son-in-law,” he said.
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/lebanon/lebanon-christian-leader-pushes-relative-for-army-post-1.1204085
over 10 years
on a different note, this is one of the few things i agree with Aoun, we have to start learning how to follow the constitution, not change it every year. let them choose a new army chief, for just like our politicians, we need new and young blood in our army as well.
over 10 years
oh okay, that's what i was talking about :)
over 10 years
as i said before.. i am no m14er...and if i get 100 thumbs up wont make me become one.. and 100 thumbs down wont make me become an m8er... whats right is right, and this changing the constitution and keep the old guard in place is ridiculous. by all means Qahwaji is a great man and a great army chief.. but let us abide by the laws that are set. i mean we had to change the law so Slaiman to become president.. and this has happened often.. lets move on.. find new brains.. new thoughts.. new ideas. as they say you cant teach an old dog new tricks.
over 10 years
arzak: why do you keep following him around and attacking his picture? i know we are not on the same wavelength, but you're better than that, you usually have more to say and share than those pesky personal attacks
over 10 years
"money from the devil while in france"? uuuh lol?
man, i think you have to consult about that cukoo you keep seeing
over 10 years
Motormouth.....reading at your posts it seems that you are defending Aoun as if you are one of his illegit child. Are you getting a cut?
over 10 years
lololol....you crack me up Traitor-Lebanese. More please....Between you and this Aoun clown you may have something.
over 10 years
Lame_Bore calling the kettle black.....King of Hypocrites himself!
over 10 years
Not at all BORE....you and Motormouth seem to be in a rage today defending Aoun....Calm down...both of you. Nothing to get all hyped up about. We understand you love the clown and that's your given right. Relax,,, take your Prozac!
over 10 years
We will stand at your grave and laugh,
Rejoicing that it is deep enough,
So that no one would have to weep
And have nightmares when at sleep.
Our dream would have been fulfilled;
Your cynical face, permanently hate filled,
Will no more appear on the News,
And will be rotting as do old shoes.
You have always been slanderous,
Liar, deceitful, shrewish and treacherous!
Confident that all people will remain blind,
You have messed with their minds.
You were cause for the death of many,
Innocents and soldiers, and did not regret any.
Cowardly, your criminal ego chose
To run away and hide; in your nightclothes.
No one will stand at your grave and cry,
For, at all times, you were a lie!
over 10 years
I love you the-roar!
over 10 years
I did not wish bad upon anyone. I have only said to your beloved how people will react when God will call him !
over 10 years
What you are saying is not consistent with your reaction:
Back at you & your loved ones ..mouallek!
I would have accepted without any comment "Back at you ... mouallek". I doubt that Jesus-Christ has inspired you to extend your wishes to my loved ones!
You are a bad christian and a hypochrite !
over 10 years
I will not be loosing my time anymore to comment on this matter ! I was just saying to a criminal that his crimes will not be pardoned by the public opinion. I have no regrets !
over 10 years
Allahû akbar le Poète est de retour ;-)
الله يلعن بشار و نصر الله
over 10 years
"The extension decree violates Article 65 of the Constitution and this should send the minister concerned to court."
Marada minister concerned Fayez Ghosn should be sent to court? Obviously Sleiman Frangieh in 2009 was very shrewd not to include wannabe MP and the later convicted Israeli spy Aoun's Fayez Karam on his electoral list, little Sleiman knew the FPM leader would eventually betray him if his family's interest were not met.
over 10 years
you sooooooooooooooooo funny LOL
over 10 years
Z general is going to cry, he wants another one of his relatives in government...A aouni Commander of our military so he can leave our troops behind and flee ..NEVERRRRRRRR again....
over 10 years
"I have been assured..."
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
I can't stop laughing
over 10 years
Did you get this assurance directly from the Deserter himself?
Hahahahah, you so funny, Bore
over 10 years
@roar...yeah...ur probably right...
Aoun however volunteered the name of “Brigadier-General Chamel Roukoz,” who “has a CV” that could be reviewed by executive authorities “should they decide to appoint him as army commander”.
“And this has nothing to do with him being my son-in-law,” he said.
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/lebanon/lebanon-christian-leader-pushes-relative-for-army-post-1.1204085
over 10 years
"simpletons".....impressive BORE....did not know you had such a expanded vocabulary. Well at least on HA preacher has more than a 5th grade education. lolol!
over 10 years
Wow....because of a typo (worse....in case your still puzzled)...you are about to ejaculate in joy for this? Pathetic! And please...get over this M that M this. Seriously you are warped!
over 10 years
"LMFAO @ your inability to construct a valid sentence." By the look of things I would say it's more like EAMF....Ejaculating Allover My Face! Seriously dude you have issues. Go ahead self-amuse yourself, it will only go hand-in-hand with your ignorant posts!
over 10 years
hey Gabby
I didn't know you could read minds
I read the whole story and I didn't once notice him say I I I .
all he said that follow the constitution, You know what constitution is right?
over 10 years
We deserve much better leaders than this, it is a pity that some Lebanese are still siding with Napo-Aoun
over 10 years
I got an idea--why don't you have your SIL announce that he will not seek that position for a period of 5 years or so to show that there isn't a conflict of interest with him...
Of course, 'honor' is a 4 letter word for him (six letters for others).
over 10 years
wrong roar--if he is truly 'defending' the constitution as he claims, he should be removing the doubts of his authenticity. There have been many questions about him wanting his SIL as the successor--remove this issue and he sounds more sincere.
this is lebanon roar--everything a politicians says should be questioned. Actually, upon further examination, every politician in every country should be questioned.
over 10 years
your M14 idols said they are guilty?
So your guilty Samiam until you can prove your innocent? Wow M14ers
Hey the_BORE....anything else you can spew other than M14 this/that? BORRRRRING!
over 10 years
Disney world.....really? I'm surprised that you didn't find any conspiracy of M14ers within the Magic Kingdom. Hable!
over 10 years
Looking back at the_Bore and his posts, there is a lot of similarities to Motormouth and BSThrower. The thing to notice is that you rarely see this BORE simultaneously (or time-wise) present when these other two morons appear. Aliases....I would very much say so. Pathetic terror-loving sheep!
over 10 years
Aoun: "we have principles in our genes". Sincere Aoun supporters: *squirming in seat, embarrassed*, "Erm, let's talk about something else."
over 10 years
I think what Aoun said about the term extension is spot on. No one should remain in the office past his term not MPs not Military figures (except in time of war and last I checked the Lebanese Army is not at war).
This doesn't negate the fact that Aoun is a complete nutjob and his only interest above ALL is personal gains, so I don't know what's behind his statement and how will this benefit him.
over 10 years
1) We can't reject the extension of the ISF chief's term and accept to extend the terms of the army commander or the chief of staff........
General, I am with you on this issue and on the issue of ectending the Parliament term. Both would be unconstitutional.
However, let make jardet 2hsabat on all the other unconstitutional events you either supported or blessed those who committed them:
* Closing the Parliament for 18 months. * Demanding veto power to enable the formation of Cabinet. * Allowing Hez fighters to cross the borders unhindered despite Lebanon's official position of neutrality. * Allowing HA not to turn in to the courts suspects in crimes or attempted crimes. * Allowing Arms in the hands of Palestinians and HA/affiliates. * Allowing HA to have its own communication network and military zones that are off limits to the LAF and ISF.
over 10 years
2) Not allowing the election of a President according to the constitution which necessitated the Doha accord to appease M8. And the list is long. However I support you on the above issue, even though my mind is not made up regarding which is worse: Someone who always violates the constitution (aka HA and Amal) or someone who often violates it but occasionally brandishes it if it suits his purposes.
over 10 years
so he can stage another faux assassination attempt?
hatemongers start spewing their venom in 3...2...1...