Source: Al-Manar TV, 15-9-2008
The head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Michel Aoun declared support for reconciliation between Hizbullah and the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), but said that reconciliation between the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and the PSP was more complicated.
Speaking to reporters after heading his parliamentary bloc weekly meeting, Aoun explained that the "complication" was due to differences related to the issue of displaced persons from their villages during the civil war and their rights.
Aoun said that those who are behind the security conflicts are connected to foreign influences, stressing that they will not be allowed to create sedition among the people of Lebanon. "We do not want to return to the Ain el-Rammaneh bus," Aoun declared.
Meanwhile, Aoun tackled the freedom of press issue raised after he criticized Lebanese daily L'Orient-Le-Jour two weeks ago. "The daily held a seminar on the freedom of the press and I was accused, but I will not surrender to extortion," Aoun noted.
"We support the freedom of the press, but we also call for accurate stories because we do not support the freedom of the lie," he emphasized.
Earlier, Aoun met with Minister Talal Areslan to discuss reconciliation and ways to bring stability to Lebanon. Aoun said the meeting was a "basic step toward reaching stability in Mount Lebanon." He expressed hope that the people of Lebanon will embrace reconciliation throughout the country. Areslan, for his part, said he was "mediating between the Progressive Socialist Party and Hizbullah to reach reconciliation," and added that "my alliance with MP Aoun and Hizbullah will remain the same."