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Franjieh insists Hizbullah`s weapons benefit country


By Karine Raad
Daily Star staff
Tuesday, November 29, 2005

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=20372

ZGHORTA: Former Interior Minister Suleiman Franjieh said on Monday that Hizbullah`s weapons are `a profit as long as there is no comprehensive solution in the region` to counter the Israeli threat.

In comments made following a visit to the village of Karam Sedde, Franjieh said that in the past, the Israelis `did not only want to destroy our identity, but the will of an entire region.`

`But abnormality can only rule temporarily and justice always eventually wins,` he said.

Franjieh said public opinion should not be used as a weapon, adding that politicians must use it with responsibility.

`It is a citizen`s right to dream and think as they please, but it is not a politician`s right to drag his people to the abyss,` he added.

Commenting on the Marada movement, a militia led by Suleiman`s father Tony, Franjieh said after an initial assessment it had been agreed that the movement be structured and organized.

Franjieh said that while some believed his relations with Syria were `a point of weakness,` the current phase had proven their nobility and honor.

He explained his relations were with the Assad family, which `you all know has protected and preserved our area.`

Franjieh also asserted that his ties with Kesrouan MP Michel Aoun were founded on honesty.

`General Aoun is a powerful man, not sectarian, and negotiates with others on an equal footing. This is why they refuse to elect him as president,` he said.

According to Franjieh, the presidency `is being made abroad.` But he suggested that if the people were given the opportunity, Aoun would be elected president.

Highlighting one of Aoun`s main political platforms, Franjieh stressed the importance of fighting corruption.

He warned against a draft of the electoral law, which he said would divide North Lebanon into two districts.

Franjieh vowed he would not run in the next elections if such a division was solely meant to target him, and warned Christian and Muslim MPs against taking part in such a conspiracy.

Asked about a possible Christian reconciliation, Franjieh said he had always transcended feuds to serve the interests of Christians and their unity.
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