Geagea warns of 'bad summer' if Hezbollah disarmament delayed

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea warned, in an interview published Tuesday in Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, of more delays regarding Hezbollah's disarmament.

"We'll definitely have a bad summer, if things go on like this," he said, accusing Hezbollah of only bringing harm and destruction to the country, and urging cabinet to immediately convene and take a strict decision concerning the group's arms.

Geagea said all armed groups must be disbanded within a period of one to four months, criticizing the president and prime minister's leniency.

"There are at least $10 billion worth of Arab investments in Syria now while we are here waiting for (Speaker Nabih) Berri and for (U.S. special envoy Thomas) Barrack's visits," he said, urging President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to take action instead of going to Berri, a Hezbollah ally and key mediator, and wait for his feedback after the latter consults with Hezbollah.

Geagea said Lebanon must focus on its relations with Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Western countries, led by the United States. "These friends are telling us clearly, both publicly and in closed-door meetings, that the situation cannot continue as it is."

"We are at risk of our friends turning their backs on us," he warned, explaining that only Lebanon's good relations with the Gulf, the U.S. and Europe can protect Lebanon from Israel, and not Hezbollah's arms.