Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea speaking to supporters. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Friday night that with the exception of Iran, the international community is not concerned about the organization and results of the upcoming presidential election in Lebanon, which is scheduled to take place between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31.
Geagea has not yet officially announced that he will run for the presidency himself, but he has repeatedly stated that he considers himself a "natural candidate."
At an event with activists at his headquarters in Maarab in Kesrouan, Geagea argued that "no one abroad cares whether or not Lebanon holds a presidential election, and no one cares who the next head of state will be."
"The international community has wishes, no more and no less," he added, raising, however, the exception of Iran, "which may be impacted by this deadline via Hezbollah."
Geagea went on to say he "does not understand the link established by some between the negotiations in Vienna on the Iranian nuclear issue and the presidential election." The only thing that can influence this deadline is "the will of the local parties who, unfortunately, are all currently in a state of confusion," Geagea continued.
He also stressed that it is now "possible that the next president will not be from March 8," describing such a shift as "50 percent of the mission" and adding that the "other half of this mission is that whoever will be elected president should be able to face up to his convictions and take a minimum of firm positions." Lebanon's current president, Michel Aoun, is the founder of the Free Patriotic Movement, which alongside Hezbollah is part of the March 8 political bloc.