Aoun, Sfeir Disagree over Hizbullah Weapons
Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun and Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir have reportedly clashed over the issue of Hizbullah arms during their first meeting in Bkirki in a long time.
Media reports on Thursday said the two men disagreed over Hizbullah weapons with each holding onto his position.
Aoun told reporters after his meeting Wednesday with Maronite bishops that "we agreed on some points and differed on some others."
While Church leaders voiced their objection to the issue of arms, Aoun linked Hizbullah weapons to regional developments which are "beyond Lebanon" and highlighted the need for such arms "given the limited capacity of the (Lebanese) army," pan-Arab daily al-Hayat quoted a well-informed source as saying.
The issue of Hizbullah arms has been a source of tension between Sfeir and Aoun.
Sfeir said on several occasions that weapons and democracy cannot coexist, just like minority and majority cannot meet in one Cabinet, stances that fueled hot debate with Aoun.
During a 30-minute session on Wednesday, Aoun clarified his stance on the general situation since he took leading roles in the army all the way to his return to Lebanon from 14 years” exile in France.
Aoun also touched on the issue of the "Memorandum of Understanding" with Hizbullah, stressing that it was "the best option which has led to shun many problems."
He also mentioned the political "campaigns" that targeted him and admonished him for some stances taken by the patriarchate against him, stressing at the same time, Bkirki”s historic role.
The two sides, however, were in harmony over a proposal to abolish political sectarianism.