Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Lebanon: Rifi Announces Peaceful Opposition to Electing Aoun | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55360672
Caption:

Sunni politician Ashraf Rifi shows his ink-stained finger after casting his ballot at a polling station during Tripoli’s municipal elections, Lebanon, May 29, 2016. REUTERS/Stringer


Beirut- Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi announced the “peaceful opposition” to combat electing Michel Aoun, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, as the president for Lebanon. Rifi stance was taken following Former Prime Minister Deputy Saad Hariri declaring support for Aon after two and a half years of presidential voidance.

In his speech delivered in Tripoli, Rifi expressed total rejection to Aoun or any other candidates supported by Iran. He added that, “This will cause far more divisions in the country and will make the country and its institutions compelled to serve the Iranian interests.” Rifi announced the peaceful opposition in the face of Iranian tutelage.

Rifi highlighted this phase, considering it as a cross-road. “We are currently before crossroads,” he said, “either we re-live the circumstances that preceded the assassination of Martyr PM Rafic Hariri or rise up to all challenges for the sake of preserving our country.”

“Whoever votes for Aoun or any candidate of the Iranian guardianship would, in fact, be assassinating our martyrs, once again,” Rifi underscored.

Furthermore, Rifi sources told Asharq al-Awsat that all possible ways for peaceful objection will be used to prevent electing Aoun as a president, knowing that Aoun is the candidate of the so-called Hezbollah.

From his part, Future Movement Party General Secretary Ahmad Hariri stressed the importance of supporting Saad Hariri presidential choice to ensure safety in Lebanon.

“We know that a great number of our supporters are not content with this initiative. This is their right and we respect it. But as Hariri said, this is a huge political risk that seeks achieving a better Lebanon,” added Ahmah Hariri.