MP Abu Faour: Franjieh’s statements are political blackmail

 

MP Wael Abu Faour said that no one can reject dialogue, especially since the present situation requires that all parties embrace it.

 

“Yet there are political priorities that must come before dialogue, such as the presidential elections, the convening of the parliament and implementing the decisions made at the national dialogue roundtable,” Abu Faour told the Voice of Lebanon radio station.

 

He also said that he takes former Minister Sleiman Franjieh’s statements seriously. “His positions toward the presidential elections add up to political blackmail,” he added, referring to Franjieh’s interview with LBC Television Thursday night in which he said that the opposition is conditioning the election of Army Commander General Michel Sleiman to the majority’s approval of the 1960 electoral law.

 

“The electoral law can only be adopted by the parliament, and there are several remarks on the 1960 law. The presidential elections are not to be used for political blackmail,” Abu Faour said.

 

Commenting on Sleiman’s decision to resign from his post before he reaches the official age of retirement, Abu Faour said Sleiman is right to protect the army. “Sleiman cannot dedicate himself to an uncertain presidency forever”.