Aoun Praises Ties with Syria, Alliance with Hizbullah
Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun on Wednesday praised the setting up of diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria and defended his alliance with Hizbullah.
Aoun made the remarks during a tour of the al-Alam Television offices in Iran.
The setting up of diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria for the first time since independence in 1943 is "a step that can help settle many problems because it is based on mutual interests between the two states," Aoun said.
He said the FPM alliance with Hizbullah is based on "national principles that are not subject to change."
Hizbullah, Aoun said, "wants to use its weapons to defend Lebanon and not to seize power."
He criticized democratic Gathering leader Walid Jumblat for the latter”s "fluctuating stands."
Aoun said efforts underway do not achieve political rapprochement, but might end in mere "security reconciliation."
The Intra-Christian reconciliation has been delayed because the Marada Movement "insists on my participation and the Lebanese Forces Party hasn”t accepted that." Aoun said.