Mustaqbal Slams Aoun's 'Negative Approach' as 'Blatant Assault on Democracy'
Al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc condemned Tuesday what it described as “the negative rhetoric and approach that Free Patriotic Movement chief General Michel Aoun has endorsed,” stressing that “the interests of Christians” cannot be protected through “impeding the presidential vote” or street action.
“The FPM's insistence on paralyzing the cycle of production unless the majority complies with the minority's demands in cabinet is a blatant assault on democracy, constitution and the law,” said the bloc in a statement issued after its weekly meeting.
“Although a democratic right, resorting to street action amid these dangerous and critical circumstances ... will inflict further damage on the country's stability, destroy people's interests and businesses, and aggravate the level of tension and extremism,” it warned.
Earlier on Tuesday, Aoun called for preparing for what he described as a “fateful battle,” in an indication that the FPM's street protests have become imminent.
The FPM is pushing for the government to discuss the appointment of high-ranking military and security officials and Aoun has been lobbying for the appointment of Commando Regiment commander Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz -- his son-in-law -- as army chief.
Last week, the cabinet failed to tackle the issue and widened the divide among its different parties and further disputes are threatening Thursday's cabinet session. The plan to hold the protests hinges on the session's outcome, FPM officials have said.
But al-Mustaqbal bloc on Tuesday condemned Aoun's decision to resort to street action, emphasizing that “preserving the interests of Christians must be through the election of a new president in line with the Constitution, not through impeding the presidential vote” or “resorting to street pressure.”
Al-Mustaqbal also slammed Aoun's recent calls for federalism, noting that the remarks “contradict all his previous statements and the declaration of intent that has been recently signed with the Lebanese Forces, which clearly stipulates adherence to the Taef Accord.”
“All of this behavior is aimed at achieving personal goals and family interests, not the interests of those whom the FPM is claiming to be representing,” the bloc added.
Y.R.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://cdn.naharnet.com/stories/en/184120 |