Reports: Bassil Aims to 'Downsize' LF Role Amid Strained Ties
Relations between the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces have been “extremely strained” lately amid concerns it could threaten the “Maarab understanding” and reports alleging that FPM chief Jebran Bassil plans to downsize the LF's Christian role, media reports said on Monday.
A political source closely observing the relations between the two parties told pan-Arab al-Hayat daily: “Differences between the two have reached the red line. The LF decided to bite the wound out of keenness on the sustainability of the Christian-Christian reconciliation sponsored by President Michel Aoun and LF chief Samir Geagea and welcomed in the street after a bloody and political conflict that lasted more than a quarter of a century.”
Aoun (FPM founder) and Geagea were the sponsors of the 2016 Maarab understanding to end nearly 30 years of conflicts between the two Christian parties. The agreement led the LF to announce its backing of Michel Aoun for the country’s presidency. He was elected later that year.
The source said that “strained ties prevailed between the two after the latest diplomatic and administrative formations issued by the government in which head of the FPM (and Foreign Minister) Jebran Bassil, got the biggest share. He meant to deliver a message to the Christian community that he is undoubtedly the strongest among the Christian leaders.”
On condition of anonymity, the source added that Bassil “rebelled” against the LF's position in the government when the party rejected his plan to lease power generation vessels.”
“Bassil has waved more than once about his willingness to reach a swap with the LF but he did not receive any response,” said the source, adding that “Bassil has therefore began planning to downsize the LF.'s role.”
Source: Naharnet
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