Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) head Gebran Bassil (left) and Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh in Bnachii, Zgharta region, Oct. 25, 2023. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Sleiman Frangieh, leader of the Marada movement and candidate in the Lebanese presidential election, said Wednesday that "Lebanon is more important than the presidency," after a meeting with Gebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) with whom he said he "largely agreed" on the situation in the country.
Bassil is one of the strongest opponents of the Zgharta leader's election as president, while Amal and Hezbollah support Frangieh. Lebanon has been without a president since Oct. 31, 2022, and this issue has taken a back seat on the local scene due to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
"Lebanon is more important than the presidency, and we discussed the country's situation, on which we largely agree," assured Sleiman Frangieh at the end of his meeting with the FPM leader in Bnachii, in the Zgharta region, a Marada stronghold.
"The Resistance [a euphemism for Hezbollah among party members and supporters] has shown its attachment to Lebanon," said Frangieh, while the party has been stepping up tit-for tat operations with the Israeli army in southern Lebanon since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
"We must prevent division," he continued. "What is happening in Palestine and Gaza is a crime against humanity."
For his part, Bassil noted "overall agreement on the ideas discussed on how to deal with the risk of war, unite efforts and reorganize institutions." He also said he was "delighted" by the visit to the Marada leader.
"In these circumstances," he added, "we overcome obstacles."
