Aoun: Our defense vision based on the strategy of people΄s resistance

Source: Agencies, 22-12-2008

The head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Michel Aoun upheld the confidentiality pact about what happened during Monday's national dialogue session that convened at the Baabda Presidential Palace and discussed a defense strategy's blueprint submitted by the Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, noting that his "ethical commitment" prevents him of doing so.

Speaking to reporters following his bloc's weekly meeting, Aoun declared that he has remarks on the defense strategy that Geagea has proposed, but he made it clear that he will not disclose them to the media. He reiterated the necessity to reach a common defensive strategy as soon as possible. "Even if we assume that the "Israelis" withdraw and the Palestinian issue is resolved, we should not stay without a strategy that protects us," Aoun pointed out.

The General stressed that the work of Resistance begins when the state finds itself unable of accomplishing its duties. He pointed to the presence of a major difference between the mobilization system in Lebanon and Switzerland. "The difference between my strategy and Geagea's strategy is that he wants the state army to fight ‘Israel', but we recognize that the army will never be on par with Israel's power. That is why we proposed the strategy of the people's resistance," Aoun explained.

Meanwhile, Aoun called on officials to stop the work of the Intelligence department because it was performing its role illegally. "There is an intelligence department in the Internal Security Forces that performs its tasks illegally," he said, adding that the department had been transformed from one that prevents crimes to one that commits crimes. "We do not need new security organizations, we oppose the creation of a new intelligence agency, rather we call for equipping current weak agencies," he also pointed out.

The FPM leader also tackled the property ownership law, stressing it has many holes. He called on the government to end providing foreigners with right to own property "until we make sure the permits are given within the framework of the law."