Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said on Tuesday following his bloc’s meeting in Rabieh that the government should arrest Free Syrian Army members.
“No borders can be completely secured. It’s important however that arrests be made when a violation is committed. It is in our best interest that armed individuals and members of the Free Syrian Army be prevented from crossing the border”.
Like Hezbollah, Aoun has been defending the Syrian regime of president Bashar al Assad in its crackdown against the protesters.
The Free Syrian Army is the armed opposition group operating in Syria that has been active during the Syrian Uprising. Composed mainly of defected Syrian Armed Forces personnel, its formation was announced on 29 July 2011 , after the peaceful demonstration failed to bring down the Syrian regime. The leader of the group, who identified himself as Colonel Riad al-Asaad, announced that the Free Syrian Army would work with demonstrators to bring down the system, and declared that all security forces attacking civilians are justified targets.
Over 11100 Syrians have been killed since the uprising began in March 2011.
Aoun addressed other issues
Suleiman
Aoun said that President Michel Suleiman tries to use his power when he does not have any
“Suleiman does not have the power to appoint a head for the Higher Judicial Council, the cabinet does…Why does Suleiman try to use his powers where he does not have any?” Aoun said
The Higher Judicial Council presidency, a post which is usually reserved for the Christian Maronite sect, is a controversial issue between Suleiman and Aoun.
Electoral law
Aoun reiterated his support for an electoral law based on proportional representation, adding it looks like the numbers of expatriates seeking to vote in the 2013 elections are not worth the trouble.
Aoun said he was the first to demand allowing expatriates to vote,” but what can we do if they don’t want to”.
According to MP Robert Ghanem Chairman of the Administration and Justice Committee at the parliament the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is headed by Adnan Mansour is way behind in setting up the logistics needed to allow the expatriates to vote in the 2013 elections.
Senate
He also said he has no objection over the formation of a “senate” (as was stipulated in the Taef accord but never implemented). According to the accord a Druze should head up the senate. Currently a Christian Maronite should be the president, The speaker should be a Muslim Shiite and the PM should be a Muslim Sunni
Geagea
Asked about his stance regarding the assassination attempt against Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, Aoun said .
“Geagea has jumped to conclusions over the failed assassination attempt before the investigations have reached a result. He did it when he held a press conference soon after the assassination attempt was announced.”
On April 4, LF chief was the victim of a failed sniper attack at his Maarab residence.
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said following the incident that the attempted assassination of Geagea, was “serious” and it was a “miracle” that he (Geagea) has escaped the assassination.
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