Aoun: FPM and Kataeb cannot find common ground

Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun on Monday announced some of his Free Patriotic Movement's candidates. The FPM nominated Georges Atallah for a seat in the Koura district and Antoine Boustany, Nassif Qazzi, Abdo Mounzer and Mario Aoun in the Chouf district.

He said the FPM wanted to also nominate a priest, but added that he did not "get the green light from his parish."

The retired general said his party had a "big" problem with the Kataeb party for many reasons among which he cited the assassination of Former Minister Pierre Gemayel and the accusations that were issued against him afterward. "The Kataeb party accused us of [being responsible for] the murder of Pierre Gemayel and we were offended through their refusal that we offer condolences," he said.

"We cannot find common ground with the Kataeb, neither on the social nor intellectual [levels]," Aoun said.

Aoun also slammed Future leader MP Saad Hariri and described the financial system the latter was defending as "barbaric," adding it had "destroyed everything. "

"The Future Movement and all those who contributed in creating the debt fear that their political and economic performance will be revealed, and that the Lebanese would discover their truth."

Aoun said that Habib al-Chartouni, the SSNP partisan who was convicted for the Gemayel assassination, was in prison during Amin Gemayel's presidential term. "We did not free him; thus [Amin] Gemayel should be asked how Chartouni was released."

Aoun confirmed that MP Michel al-Murr could not be a candidate on his movements' electoral list in Metn, and that he was not bothered by the rapprochement between Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt and Youth and Sports Minister Talal Arslan in Aley.

Aoun also said that when he returned from exile he announced that he "turned a new page."

"I went to Yarze and met with the one who tried to assassinate the army and who was convicted of four assassinations," he said, in reference to his visit to Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea when he was still jailed in the Defense Ministry prison in Yarze.

Aoun said he forgave those who tried to assassinate him, adding that he wished some did not have "selective" memory.

"I visit Bkirki for religious ceremonies and I will do so on Easter," Aoun said, when asked by a reporter if he would visit the Maronite Patriarchy.

Aoun also praised his movement saying, "We are transparent, trustworthy and loved by the old and the young."