Samir Geagea in new/old Lebanon accusations

Beirut, November 03: Lebanese Christian leader Samir Geagea made another “wild” accusation on Monday against Iran and Syria, alleging that they are hindering the formation of a cabinet in Lebanon.

Observers say Geagea, a former militia leader accused of ordering four political accusations, is known for his “wild” and “baseless” accusations, especially against pro-Hezbollah sates Syria and Iran.

Lebanon has been without government since a general vote in June.

The winning alliance headed by Saad Hariri won 71 seats in the 128-member parliament in the election against 57 for the opposition led by Hezbollah.

The Hezbollah opposition had actually secured the majority (52%) of the votes in Lebanon, but could not secure a majority of Parliamentary seats (it won 45%) because of the nature of the sectarian government system in the country.

Geagea’s Lebanese Forces are part of the parliamentary majority.

“The regional forces that support the parliamentary minority have no interest in seeing a government formed for the moment,” Geagea charged, without elaboration.

“Perhaps they expect a more favourable situation in which they can reap more benefits” on the international level, he said.

He was referring to Iran’s atomic drive and Syria’s efforts to improve ties with the United States.

“Hezbollah is not serious when it says it wants to facilitate the formation of the government,” Geagea added.

Syria and Saudi Arabia recently buried the hatchet over Lebanon and jointly called for the formation of a cabinet.

The Hezbollah-led alliance accuses the majority of trying to rule unilaterally, while Hariri’s parliamentary majority charges that its opponents want to impose their demands on the new government.

One of the major points of contention has been the inability to agree on the distribution of portfolios and choice of ministers.

Hezbollah’s Christian alley, retired General Michel Aoun, is said to have insisted on his suggestion for ministers, which is rejected by Hariri’s bloc.

—Agencies