Aoun: Christians” Political Authority is Rabiyeh, Not Bkirki

Opposition Christian leader Gen. Michel Aoun insisted that the Christians should submit to the political authority of Rabiyeh and not Bkirki.

 

“The Christians” political decision is in Rabiyeh,” and consultations with Bkirki are tantamount to “advice.”

 

“I enjoy Christian representation whether they like it or not,” Aoun warned. “I”m known to represent 66 percent of the Christians, and whoever enjoys 66 percent has decision rights.”

 

“Anyone from the other (political) side who does not acknowledge me, will not be acknowledged by me,” Aoun went on.

 

He blamed the United States for the stalemate in Lebanon, adding that former President Emile Lahoud”s parting statement before leaving office on Friday had paved the way for Prime Minister Fouad Saniora”s government to remain in power.

 

Aoun on Saturday invited the various Christian leaders to meet at his residence in Rabiyeh on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to draft a “plan to resist this unacceptable situation.”

 

Aoun, in two separate interviews with LBC and New TV channels, warned that the vacuum could threaten Lebanon”s existence because the Taif Accord – which ended the 1975-1990 Civil War – is threatened and the presidency is being weakened.

 

He said that Taif was only partially implemented to meet the interests of certain sects.

 

“International support today is more for Saniora than it is for Lebanon,” Aoun said. “I cannot imagine we have a prime minister whose name is Fouad Saniora doing the job of the president.”

He said his Reform and Change Bloc would take “practical but peaceful steps” to oppose the current situation but only after consulting with its allies.