Thursday, July 23, 2015

Election of president to weaken Hezbollah: Samir Geagea


BEIRUT: Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea expressed his belief Wednesday that the election of a new head of state would "weaken" Hezbollah's role in Lebanon, in remarks published in the pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat.

"Iran is obstructing the presidential elections to keep Hezbollah a main player in Lebanon, as the presence of a president would weaken it," Geagea said.

He lamented that Tehran is "seeking to elect a head of state who can serve Hezbollah's interests."

The LF leader expressed pessimism about ending the current presidential deadlock, saying: "The Baabda Palace will remain vacant as long as Iran's allies are impeding the elections."

"We want a president who prioritizes Lebanon and its interests."

Lebanon has been without a head of state since the tenure of President Michel Sleiman ended in May 2014.

Geagea, who was on a short visit to Saudi Arabia where he met with Saudi King Salman in Jeddah, Future Movement leader Saad Hariri and several other senior Saudi officials, considered his trip an opportunity to meet with the new leadership in Riyadh and discuss developments in the region.

"Saudi Arabia doesn't interfere in Lebanon's affairs," the LF chief added.

Source: .