Geagea: Syria’s allies in Lebanon are nervous and confused

Syria’s allies in Lebanon “are nervous and confused ” as they watch developments in their neighboring country that might lead to the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said on Monday

“Allies of the Syrian regime in Lebanon are nervous and in a state of confusion to the point where they are now asking for dialogue,” Geagea said following a conference call with North America’s LF members in New York, according to a press release on Monday

Geagea also said that Syria’s allies in Lebanon feel that the popular uprising in Syria will succeed in bringing down Assad’s government.

“Syria’s allies feel that the regime is going to fall so they are trying to take all possible measures to protect themselves in case this happens. Consequently, everyone in Lebanon today is monitoring the events.”

“What is happening in Syria is a popular revolution, which aims to bring down Assad’s regime and form a more democratic one,” the LF leader added.

“The road to democracy will pass through several obstacles and hardships, but in the end, history can only move forward towards the positive,” he stressed.

Since the beginning of the popular uprising Syria’s main ally in the country, Hezbollah, has supported the Assad regime describing the demonstrators as part of a larger conspiracy aimed at targeting the country. Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, has accused the West of plotting to divide Syria in an attempt to create a new Middle East.

Electoral law

Geagea also addressed the issue of drafting a new electoral law for the 2013 parliamentary elections, saying that Lebanon will not become stable unless a new electoral law is issued.

“The discussions over a new electoral law are not easy, but in the end, I think we will agree on an electoral law that is better than the current one.”

“It is impossible to achieve stability without a new electoral law that echoes principles of the Taif Accord which designates 64 MPs to each of the Christians and Muslims,” Geagea stressed

The Lebanese government is working on drafting a new electoral law based on proportional representation for the 2013 parliamentary elections via a committee headed by Interior Minister Marwan Charbel.

The current electoral system works on a winner-takes-all basis, meaning that in theory only a simple majority is required to gain all of the seats in a given district.

Expatriates

Geagea also called on Lebanese expatriates in North America to register themselves at Lebanese embassies and consulates in order to participate in the 2013 elections

“They should also campaign within each community to encourage people to register and inform officials at embassies or consuls that they want to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections,” he added.