Suleiman Franjieh: Revoking a wrong decision is not a defeat

Source: NowLebanon, 10-05-2008
Former Minister Suleiman Franjieh said he denounces what happened to the Future news media, when opposition gunmen, mainly from Hizbullah and Amal, warned the outlets to close down or else they would destroy their offices.
"However, they must also remember that we suffered when they offended us. People have been getting offended since the assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri," Franjieh told LBC Television.
He added that it is not in Hizbullah's interests to turn its weapons inward, toward Lebanon.
Franjieh noted the possibility of reaching a solution to the violent and escalating political crisis, "but not by a coup against the state or the invasion of the Grand Serail."
"The government must revoke its decisions. A national-unity government, an electoral law and a new president are a must," he said.
Commenting on the proposition to hand over government authorities to the army, Franjieh said that the Lebanese army does not have the capacity to revoke a legal decision; its duty is to preserve security.
"If the government does not revoke its decisions, Lebanon will not be safe. Revoking a wrong decision is not a defeat. We hope the government resigns. But now, it has to revoke its decisions," Franjieh said.
"If a compromise is not reached, we will not remove the tents from [the opposition sit-in in] downtown Beirut," he added.
He reiterated the opposition's support to Army Commander General Michel Slueiman for the presidency. "Is the pro-majority with the army commander or against him?"
Franjieh said it is wrong to bet on the West, "for this West has sold the majority now," adding that nobody need fear that the opposition is seeking the return of Syrian hegemony over Lebanon, as he does not see "how the opposition's demands will bring Syria back to Lebanon."