GEAGEA: NO CRISIS WITH INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES AND NO VETO ON BOUEIZ
NaharNet
May 14 2009
Lebanon
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea denied Thursday reports of a crisis
between LF and independent candidates in the second Kesrouan list.
In an interview with al-Markazia News agency, he described the
relationship as "excellent" with some of the contenders, "acceptable"
with others and "normal" with candidates such as former MP Mansour
Ghanem al- Bon.
Geagea denied to asked independent candidate to join a Christian
gathering as a pre-condition for being part of the list. He also called
on all independent runners to check the veracity of such reports.
Regarding the delay in the formulation of the Kesrouan list, Geagea
said: "everybody waited for the closure of candidacy registration
door and for the formation of another Kesrouan list before starting
the actual work on a new ticket that includes independents and March
14 members."
"The Kesrouan list will be unveiled in a matter of days and not weeks,"
he added.
"There is no veto on anyone even former minister Fares Boueiz," the
LF leader said, denying "evil" rumors that Boueiz was conditioned to
join Geagea’s bloc before being endorsed in the ticket.
As for the Beirut 2 constituency and negotiations with MP Saad Hariri
over the Armenian-Orthodox seat, Geagea said that "negotiations with
Armenian parties are ongoing.
"The meetings so far held with MP Hariri focused on other matters as
well," he added.
As for the failure of the Cabinet to approve key administrative
appointments on Wednesday, Geagea said "this is the experience of
the veto power." He added: "I hope the Lebanese would stop at the
meaning of this concept."
Geagea commended security forces for uncovering Israeli spy rings
saying "the government and the official bodies were able to accomplish
an excellent work."
"The majority of these rings were uncovered in Hizbullah’s area of
operation," he added.