Abu Jamra content with Ashrafiyeh Candidacy, Not to Attend Cabinet Meetings under Saniora
Deputy Prime Minister Issam Abu Jamra will not be attending any cabinet meetings under the leadership of Fouad Saniora in the foreseeable future.
Abu Jamra told the Kuwaiti daily newspaper Al-Siyassah in comments published on Monday that, until he is given an office in the Grand Serail, he "will not attend any cabinet meetings which are under the leadership of PM Fouad Saniora."
Regarding his candidacy in Beirut”s first district, the Free Patriotic Movement member called himself a "symbol" of the area, enjoying wide popular support, and contested the notion that his running was an insult to the people of Ashrafiyeh.
He added that he was content with the decision of his bloc not to nominate him for the Orthodox seat in Marjayoun by saying that "the movement that I am aligned with has [its own] strategy." Syrian Social Nationalist Party member Assaad Hardan has instead been nominated for the seat.
Abu Jamra criticized Democratic Gathering MP Marwan Hamadeh”s recent comments that FPM leader Michel Aoun would be "forbidden from entering Ashrafiyeh," explaining that the people of that area would make their own choices in the elections.
Additionally, he defended what he called Aoun”s recent "spastic rhetoric," adding that it did not stem from claims of his recent drop in popularity.
Abu Jamra also assured that he is not afraid of any alliance between the Armenian party Tashnag and March 14. Tashnag is expected to announce its final electoral decisions in the very near future.