Bassil says Hezbollah 'not an ally'

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil, who has long bragged about having no allies within the complicated Lebanese political system, still feels proud today for "maintaining his stance" unlike other politicians.

Even the FPM's old-ally, Hezbollah, is not an ally, Bassil told Nidaa al-Watan newspaper, in remarks published Friday.

"Hezbollah is not an ally and has never been," he said, stressing that there is a difference between an "understanding" and an "alliance."

Bassil said he is not surprised that Hezbollah agreed to extend the term of army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun, against the FPM's will.

Aoun was set to retire on January 10, 2024, but parliament and government extended his mandate for a year, averting a military power vacuum as the country already faces spillover of the Israel-Hamas war without a president or a fully functioning government.

The FPM considered the decision unconstitutional and an infringement on the president's powers.

Those who accepted the extension of Aoun's term "either did it out of spite, appeasement, or under foreign pressure," said Bassil, who considers that government which is operating in a caretaker capacity can not take such decisions especially without the approval of the president.

Lebanon has been without a president for more than a year since Michel Aoun's term ended in October last year, with neither of the two main blocs -- Hezbollah and its opponents -- having the majority required to elect one.

Bassil said that ex-minister Jihad Azour remains the FPM's presidential candidate, in intersection with the opposition forces, including the Lebanese Forces - the FPM's political rival.

"I would accept the election of (Hezbollah and Amal's candidate, Marada leader Suleiman) Franjieh, only if the decentralization and sovereign fund laws are passed," he added.