Frangieh expresses support for Joseph Aoun's stance on 'preserving security and stability'

BEIRUT — Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh expressed on Sunday his "support for the positions taken by President of the Republic Joseph Aoun in his approach to current developments, particularly those concerning ways to preserve security and stability in the country."

These comments were cited in a statement from the presidential palace following a meeting between the two men.

The head of state and the former MP, who leads the Christian party from northern Lebanon, discussed key local and regional issues as the state is seeking to compel Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the Lebanese Army, while Israel continues to bomb the country more than a year after a truce was reached between Hezbollah and the Israeli state.

Though politically allied with Hezbollah, the Marada had already voiced their support this year for the army's plan to reestablish the state's monopoly over arms in Lebanon.

Nearly a year after his election, the president is the subject of much criticism — both internal and external — regarding his ability to carry out this mission, as he favors a diplomatic approach with the Shiite duo Amal and Hezbollah.

Sleiman Frangieh also extended to the head of state his wishes for the Christmas and New Year holidays.