Bassil: Port Probe Selective but Not Politicized, LF Can't End FPM
Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil has lamented the presence of “procrastination” in the Beirut port blast probe, stressing the importance of the issuance of an indictment by Judge Tarek Bitar.
“The investigation is marred by exceptional selectivity but it is not politicized. However, today there is lethal procrastination and we want the judiciary to shoulder its responsibilities,” Bassil added, in an interview with Turkey’s Anadolu news agency.
Asked about the relation with the Lebanese Forces, Bassil said the LF refuses dialogue with the FPM “because it considers that it has a chance to achieve the historic dream of breaking or ending the FPM.”
“This is a delusional bet that will not lead to a result,” the FPM chief stressed.
As for the relation with Hizbullah, Bassil admitted that the 2006 memorandum of understanding with the Iran-backed party has “failed to build a state,” calling for containing the party’s arms within state institutions.
Noting that the MoU needs to be improved in terms of “reform and state building,” Bassil said Hizbullah’s return to Cabinet sessions is “part of responding to improvement (calls), but it is insufficient.”
As for alliances in the upcoming parliamentary elections, the FPM chief pointed out that “the dispute is clear and significant with Hizbullah regarding the domestic issues.”
“Should it be resolved, the issue of electoral alliances will be decided accordingly,” he added.
Stating that Hizbullah and Amal Movement’s return to Cabinet was “inevitable,” Bassil emphasized that their boycott had been neither justified nor convincing.
“The return is not sufficient and must be completed by a host of steps that can lead to stability in the country and to addressing the people’s problems,” he added.
“The agreement (with Hizbullah) helped us confront Israel, prevent the Daesh organization from occupying Lebanon, and prevent domestic strife. These are essential things, but that is not enough to build a state,” Bassil went on to say.
“The goal must not be to remove Hizbullah’s arms but rather to find a way to use them for the benefit of the country,” he added.
Separately, Bassil said he has no plans at the moment regarding the presidential election.
Source: Naharnet
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