Talking to Al Manar TV station, mouthpiece of the Hezbollah organization , Franjieh said Sfeir was "aroused, probably at the sight of women," at his seat in Bkirki Thursday and made a statement opposing street protests, noting that they have failed to settle disputes in Lebanon.

The Patriarch made his remark on the eve of an open ended sit-in organized by the Hezbollah-led opposition, that includes Franjieh's Marada group, to topple Premier Fouad Siniora's government.

Franjieh later released a clarification to his remark saying he used colloquial language in which the Arabic word "tahayyaj" could mean aroused, excited and carried away.

Franjieh ( L ) insisted that what he meant was the Patriarch got "excited."

One local observer commented about Franjieh by saying " he remains a spoilt kid that never grew up". He added "this kid crossed the red line in criticizing the most respected Christian personality in Lebanon ".

Franjieh is the grandson of former president Suleiman Franjieh who invited the Syrians in 1975 to come to Lebanon.

Top Picture: Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir

Source: Ya Libnan, Naharnet