Head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, MP Mohammad Raad (Nabatieh), after a visit with former president Michel Aoun, Feb. 2, 2023. (Credit: Almanar)
BEIRUT — The head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, MP Mohammad Raad (Nabatieh), expressed his "determination" to continue relations with the Free Patriotic Movement after visiting former president and FPM founder Michel Aoun's home in Rabieh Thursday.
Relations between the two parties have been turbulent in recent months amid Lebanon's presidential vacuum.
In a press briefing Thursday, Raad said Hezbollah "affirms our determination to continue this special relation with FPM in accordance to the ethics contributed by Michel Aoun, which is based on honesty, transparency and courage in approaching differences, away from hustle and noise."
The visit by Raad and other Hezbollah MPs is the first since Aoun left office on Oct. 31. The FPM is currently headed by Aoun's son-in-law Gebran Bassil.
Hezbollah's visit also comes a few days before the anniversary of the Mar Mikhael agreement between Hezbollah and FPM, which has served as a blueprint for their sometimes shaky alliance since Feb. 2006. The agreement, which according to Raad "wasn't appreciated by some," nonetheless "enhanced national unity and protected civil peace."
Relations between FPM and Hezbollah experienced tensions in recent months, particularly after Hezbollah decided to participate in a caretaker cabinet session boycotted by FPM ministers. The FPM accuses caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati of assuming some presidential powers amid the executive vacuum, despite the presidency traditionally going to a member of the Maronite sect.
The tensions are also linked to Hezbollah's support of Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh as a presidential candidate. Frangieh is Gebran Bassil's political rival.
Lebanon has been without a president or fully empowered government for the first time in its history since Aoun left office.