Aoun meets with Maronite League delegation, says reconciliation is crucial

Source: nowlebanon.com, 28-10-2008

Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun met with a Maronite League delegation headed by Joseph Tarabay on Tuesday, Aoun said that they discussed "the facts on the ground," rather than reconciliation.

"We, in the Free Patriotic Movement, and I personally, announce and repeat that reconciliation is crucial and it is part of our culture in politics, understanding, and openness," Aoun said, "We wish them luck with all their efforts to realize reconciliation."

Asked if reconciliation would occur soon, Aoun said, "There are efforts, and we hope the path remains open so that we do not reach a dead end."

"[Lebanese Forces leader Samir]Geagea is in a hurry, but he is part of the problem," Aoun said, "in other words, had there not been a problem with the other party [Marada] reconciliation would not have been crucial."

He added that, "Things should not be taken in a negative sense, there is a problem and there should be a clarification...the meeting between Geagea and Marada leader Sleiman Franjieh should clarify the problem."