Aoun Says Berri is “Ally of my Ally,” Can Win “Alone” in Jezzine, His Next Parliamentary Bloc is 35-Strong
Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun vehemently attacked leaders in the ruling March 14 coalition, describing them as "(Jeffery) Feltman”s men," a reference to Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.
Aoun, on the other hand, defended his alliance with Hizbullah, saying the Memorandum of Understanding had been established to avoid a civil war.
"There was a risk that civil fight might erupt. That”s why I pursued a policy of understanding with Hizbullah to face up to isolation attempts by March 14 Forces," Aoun said in a live TV interview with late-night political talk show Kalam el-Nass aired on LBCI Thursday.
"The Memorandum of Understanding with Hizbullah had set a framework for relations with Syria," he added.
Aoun labeled Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri "the ally of my ally."
"Berri says that he is the ally of my ally, and I say the same thing because I don”t wish to impose a different relationship on him," he went on to say. He did not elaborate.
Aoun refused to determine his position on whether he would back Berri for another term as parliament speaker.
The former army general said he intends to form a 35-strong parliamentary bloc, stressing that he will alone win the election in Jezzine.
"I can win in Jezzine without an ally," he stressed in an indirect reference to Berri.
Aoun said the upcoming election is a "global battle," adding that he believed a March 14 victory is a "loss" for Lebanon.
"I will not nominate MP Saad Hariri to the next premiership if we become the majority," he stressed.
Aoun said electors were "being brought in from all five continents to vote against me."
He said Maj. Gen. Issam Abu Jamra is a candidate in Ashrafiyeh. "We did not bring him by force," adding that the FPM has one seat in Marjayoun and five in Beirut.
Aoun said he was against Mustaqbal Movement.
"We cannot follow a political line that had margined Ashrafiyeh," he explained, adding that Ashrafiyeh votes had been "liberated from the occupiers" – March 14 Forces.
Aoun confirmed that he will not give his parliamentary seat to anybody. "I also don”t accept that names be thrown in my face at the table in a surprise."
He accused the secret police service of "working against us."
"Instead of uncovering crimes, they are in touch with elements accused of crimes," Aoun claimed.