Franjieh: February 14 bloc uses Maronite Patriarch as a cover to return to the 2000 electoral law

Source: Nowlebanon.com, 5-3-2008
Former minister and head of the Marada Movement Suleiman Franjieh said that the February 14 forces want to get rid of the caza-based electoral law in an intelligent fashion.
"The 1960 electoral law is not perfect, but we decided to accept it temporarily in the hope of achieving better conditions later," Franjieh said in a press conference.
He added that Speaker Nabih Berri did not reject the caza-based law, but it was ex-Premier Rafik Hariri who fought it.
Franjieh accused the February 14 forces of using the Maronite Patriarch as a cover to return to the 2000 electoral law.
"I do not doubt Bkirki's intentions, but Bkirki was misled. We want it to be an institution that makes legal and technical studies before making decisions."
"We are willing to go by any electoral law suggested by the Maronite Patriarch, following which, few February 14 members would be elected as MPs," he added.
He noted that it is not up to Bkirki to decide on the electoral law, as "there are other true Christian representatives."
"The Patriarch has a political stance. When our political interests require liaising with him, we will talk to him, when we don't have to, we won't," he added.
"Sfeir's initiative will lead to the elimination of the caza-based law without a better substitute and the adoption of the 2000 electoral law."
The Marada leader called on Patriarch Sfeir to convince his allies to accept the repartition of Beirut into five constituencies, and to divide the Chouf, Akkar and Tripoli regions into two constituencies.
"Future Movement officials are expressing their support for the caza-based law, but they are objecting to it behind closed doors," Franjieh said.
He also expressed his support for amending the Taif Agreement and establishing a presidential system in Lebanon.
Franjieh said he wants Lebanon's invitation to the Arab Summit in March to come from the Arab League.
"I favor Lebanon being represented by the government, which is considered resigned but is still in charge of daily affairs," he added.
Franjieh noted that Lebanon is ripe for war, and any major assassination will lead to it.
"To avoid such a situation, we need a national unity government and a national understanding," he added.