Democratic Gathering Hails LF-FPM Rapprochement, Says Helou Remains its Candidate
The Democratic Gathering welcomed on Thursday the rapprochement between the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement but held onto the candidacy of MP Henri Helou for the country’s top Christian post.
The bloc said following a meeting chaired by its leader MP Walid Jumblat that “Christian-Christian reconciliation is an important step in consolidating national understanding.”
LF chief Samir Geagea’s support for FPM founder Michel Aoun’s candidacy encourages “national unity,” said the statement.
But the bloc reiterated that Helou, who represents moderation, remains its candidate.
It said Marada leader MP Suleiman Franjieh’s candidacy helps resolve the presidential deadlock, adding that Aoun’s candidacy meets the characteristics that the participants of the national dialogue held under Speaker Nabih Berri have agreed to.
“These characteristics don’t abolish the role of moderates in Lebanese political life,” the Democratic Gathering stated.
The bloc welcomed any step that is meant to encourage dialogue on the presidential crisis that erupted when the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014.
It added that the election of a new head of state would regulate the work of constitutional institutions and help resolve economic and social issues.
G.K.
M.T.
over 9 years
there is christians and moslems in lebanon.. that is lebanon...plse elect somebody for baabda...FOR THE SAKE OF ALL LEBANESE
over 9 years
Mr Tric. . That is a big statement..I am a Druze...I never knew that Jumblatt is Jewish???.. in any case, I don't write here much.. but I read what is being exchanged and you statement is probably the biggest falacy I have read. The fact is, Druze and the Maronites are founders of Lebanon, the underlying secret is that they need each other and they directly and indirectly support each other. Without Christians, the Druze are at risk, and that is the fact. We need a strong Christian community.
over 9 years
What an ignorant man
over 9 years
@ halinjamous
Of course Aoun is thanking Jumblat.
Jumblat & his block by declaring their intention to voting for Helou - just did Aoun 2 favors.
1- it means Jumblat & his block will attend the presidential election session and contribute to ensuring a Quorum and will not be boycotting the session and instructing the election like Hezbollah & FPM have been doing.
2 - by voting for Helou - it means less votes for Frangieh - which gives a better chance for Aoun to win. If Jumblat & his bloc decided to vote for Frangieh - Aoun would probably not win.
It's for the above 2 reasons why Aoun thanked Jumblat on his stance.
over 9 years
Jumblat is not a centrist, he is a leftist that was allied with the enemies of Lebanon back in the 70s (yes I know it was his father and Walid was just a soldier then). He fought alongside the PLO and Mercenaries from Libya and North Africa and did all he can then to undermine the Republic and the Christian influence.
Lol , I dont even know who Helou is. What does he sell?