Sleiman Frangieh

In an interview with NBN television, El Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh said that his efforts to win the approval of the Caza Electoral Law came through a comprehensive vision which serves the interests of all of Lebanese and not just the Zgharta electorate.

Frangieh reaffirmed that Zgharta remains in the heart of its natural position, in the heart of Arabism, in the heart of policies adopted by the late president Sleiman Frangieh, and in the heart of patriotism, noting that Zgharta is also in the heart of the Maronites.

Frangieh said he is banking on the intelligence of the people and on their wise political choices rather than electoral services. The Marada leader stressed that the candidacy of retired General Fayez Karam has nothing to do with General Michel Aoun, explaining that "Fayez Karam is running as an independent." Frangieh noted that some people place their personal goals ahead of the wider political project.

Sleiman Frangieh urged voters not to cross out any name on his electoral ticket, calling on them to cross out his name if they must cross out anyone. He reiterated that for him to win on his own is not enough because he won't be able to achieve much by himself.

Frangieh recalled how every leader of the March 14 forces was a master in relations with Syria. He asserted that the word independence is a big word where a person could act independently even under the Syrian presence. "The Free Patriotic Movement opposed the Syrians when in Lebanon, but sought good relations with Syria after its army left Lebanon while others in March 14 seek to challenge Syria after its army left Lebanon while they used to deal with the Syrians when they were in Lebanon," Frangieh added.

The Marada leader said that he has no quarrel to sit on the same table with his foes, but if they don't wish to sit with him they could leave.

Frangieh stated that he will be part of a wider parliamentary bloc headed by General Michel Aoun.

Salim Karam

On his part, Salim Karam, the candidate on the El Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh's Coalition List, stressed that his alliance with Sleiman Frangieh is based on sincerity and loyalty, indicating that they have prepared a comprehensive political program.

Karam said that the coalition is determined to bring Zgharta back to its rightful position after the failure of those who claimed to have represented Zgharta to preserve its leading political role.

Karam pointed out the good relations that bonded MP Nayla Mouawad with the Syrians while he reasserted his position in which he opposes any foreign meddling in internal Lebanese affairs.

Salim Karam recalled how opponents from March 14 travelled to Australia and the United States and other nations to lure expatriates to come to Lebanon and vote in their favour, questioning the source of funds to cover such expansive moves.

Estefan Douaihy

Zgharta candidate Estefan Douaihy called for a survey to determine the real status of relations between his side and the people of other Cazas.

He said that his alliance with Sleiman Frangieh and Salim Karam embodies the ambitions of Zgharta, reminding that he and his allies never left Zgharta under the most difficult of circumstances.

Douaihy indicated that the decision of his opponents is not theirs while he expressed his willingness to preserve best ties with the Zawyi.

Estefan Douaihy denied the existence of any trouble with the people of Becharrie, reminding of the fact that Sleiman Frangieh forgave the killers of his parents and invited them for a real and genuine reconciliation.

Douaihy declared his pride in belonging to families that gave Lebanon great leaders, stressing his believe in the Arabic entity of Lebanon, in the preservation of the Christian political role and in national partnership.
SK 15/4/2009