Geagea Angry, Wahhab Relaxed after Jumblatt Conference

 
Source: Al-Manar TV, 14-12-2008
The press conference delivered by the head of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblatt on Saturday divided, once again, the Lebanese political scene into two main blocs: one expressed satisfaction with Jumblatt's stance and, in contrast, another that rejected Jumblatt's rapprochement with Minister Talal Areslan.
On Saturday, Jumblatt renewed that he supported an attempt by Lebanese Youth and Sports Minister Talal Erslan to foster an understanding with Hizbullah and affirmed that his hostile position toward Syria remained unchanged. Speaking during a press conference in Mokhtara in Mount Lebanon, Jumblatt said it was difficult for him to forget his father's 1977 assassination and defended his recent speeches. "I don't know if my last speeches bothered Talal Areslan, but this is my style," he stated.
"I condemn the Kfarhim incident, and I directly called Army Commander Jean Kahwaji and called on him to be firm and decisive and I told him that those responsible for this act should be brought to justice," he added, in reference to recent clashes between Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) supporters and body guards of Tawheed leader Wiam Wahhab. "I do not want to respond to former Minister Wiam Wahhab's speeches that followed the Kfarhim incident, but I would like to tell him that he is welcome any time, in addition to others, in Mokhtara," he said.
On Sunday, Wahhab welcomed Jumblatt's words and announced that he would do all what he can to consolidate the PSP leader's relation with Syria and the Resistance. He stressed that the political difference with Jumblatt was ongoing but called to organize the conflict and said that it was possible to adopt joint committees to resolve security incidents.
However, Jumblatt's stances didn't receive the same echo by the Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea who seemed, once again, angry with the national opposition behaviour in general. Speaking to the Voice of Lebanon on Sunday, Geagea claimed that it was unacceptable for March 8 members to continue with such behavior. Geagea rejected Erslan's reasoning and instead said that he was conveying a message from the March 8 coalition. He said that the essence of those statements was to force the majority to carry out the opposition's will, which, he said, was unacceptable.
The LF chief recognized the responsibility of every citizen to vote during the upcoming elections and called on voters to think of their children's future when casting their ballots. "If we win the elections, and we will win them, it does not mean that the Lebanese pain will end. If we lose, and we will not lose, it does not mean that life is over. However, the journey will be delayed," he claimed.