Fares Soueid: the Syrian-Iranian alliance is poised to drive Lebanon into political and security complications
Former MP Fares Soueid accused Syria and Iran of driving Lebanon into a vacuum and obstructing presidential elections.
“The Syrian-Iranian alliance is willing to burn Lebanon in order to reach its political goals,” said Soueid.
He also noted that March 14 has the choice of either reconsidering the option of a simple-majority election again or accepting the ongoing political blackmail that would result in more complications.
Soueid told NOW Lebanon that he was the first to say that Syria and Iran are trying to use Lebanon as a bargaining card with the international community.
“Syria’s is trying to negotiate over the Special Tribunal, while Iran is interested in its nuclear profile,” Soueid noted. “This is why the opposition has rejected a simple-majority election, the two-third election, and is now calling for consensus,” he added.
Soueid called on March14 politicians and leaders to carefully consider the constitutional and political complications being imposed by opposition factions, and take the appropriate decision with the Maronite Church.
He also denounced the suggestion of suspending Article 49 and not amending it.
“It is better to elect a president immediately with all democratic and constitutional means available,” he noted.
Soueid recalled March 14 sacrifices for Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence.
Commenting on the influence of the ongoing vacuum on the candidacy of Army Commander General Michel Sleiman, Soueid ruled out any negative impact.
“The issue is not Sleiman’s candidacy or the military institution, for the Syrians and the Iranians are willing to burn Lebanon to reach their goal, not only the Lebanese army,” Soueid said.