Door to Christian Reconciliation neither Shut nor Open

Source: Al-Manar TV, 29-10-2008
Despite the positive climate surrounding the Lebanese political scene, the Christian reconciliation seems to be still difficult, if not impossible, to emerge...
Indeed, instead of embarking into the reconciliations' train, Christians don't seem in a rush to achieve progress, with mutual accusations and political differences leading all discussions.
Nevertheless, the Maronite League is still hoping for a change. In an attempt to achieve the reconciliation, a delegation from the League visited once again on Tuesday former President Amin Gemayel and the head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Michel Aoun. It is expected to visit on Wednesday the head of the Marada movement former minister Suleiman Franjieh.
Yet, no breakthrough seems to be looming in the horizon. According to Aoun, the door to the Christian reconciliation is neither shot nor open. He stressed there are basic things that should be taken into consideration and not to be underestimated.
Speaking to Kuwaiti daily Al-Anbaa, Aoun noted that the apology of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea was useless, saying it was not clear to whom he was apologizing.
He wondered "who gave Geagea the right to determine the national goal by committing assassinations? In what capacity did he take this position? Who gave him the authority to execute those going against the national goal?"
On Tuesday, Aoun said that reconciliation was crucial "and it is part of our culture in politics, understanding, and openness." "Geagea is in a hurry, but he is part of the problem," Aoun said.
For his part, Gemayel said settling intra-Christian disputes is not an easy task however "a settlement would be reached as long as there is a national will for that."
The summit meeting between Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Future movement MP Saad Hariri is "a first step along the march to achieve national reconciliation," Gemayel told reporters after receiving a delegation representing the Maronite League.
But Geagea, who has been claiming to be reconciliations' facilitator and expressing readiness to meet with Franjieh "at any time," proceeded with verbal assaults against his "political rivals."
After accusing Franjieh of obstructing reconciliation for Syria's sake, Geagea, who earlier accepted Aoun's attendance in the meeting "although he has no problems with him," shifted his assault to the General. Speaking to Kuwaiti daily Al-Qabas, Geagea said the "gap separating us Aoun is wide."
"The differences with Aoun are not restricted to politics, but are beyond that, they are ideological and strategic differences," Geagea claimed.