Aoun: To remain silent on ‘takfeeri’ attitudes is unacceptable -...

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Head of the Change and Reform bloc MP Michel Aoun responded Thursday to the Islamist cleric who called Christians "infidels", saying “it is unacceptable and unislamic”, warning of the threat that “takfeeris” pose to Christians and coexistence.

“To remain silent on ‘takfeeri’ attitudes is unacceptable; the constitution upholds the right to religious diversity,” he said following his bloc’s weekly meeting.

“We want to know the position of Muslim leaders on this issue,” he said stressing that remaining silent is worse than the armament of various groups in Lebanon.

Aoun stressed that the Christians' presence has remained steadfast in the region, adding "Christianity will remain in the Middle East regardless of takfeerism."

Electoral law

On the electoral law, Aoun said that the meetings held at Bkerke agreed that the Orthodox Gathering law is “the most suitable” followed by the law based on proportional representation.

“The Lebanese Forces insist on the Orthodox Gathering’s proposal and we welcome that; however we cannot give the people one sole option,” he said, adding that he would gladly accept any law that would bring back the prerogatives of the President.

"In the upcoming session all parties must say why they rejected the Orthodox Gathering's proposal law," Aoun said stressing that he wants to reclaim 24 Christian deputies via the new electoral law.

Aoun stressed that the Orthodox Gathering law should be adopted "otherwise we would be forced to accept a weak Christian leader", adding "the blackmail that has been going on since the Taif Accord should stop."

Lebanese economy and oil

Aoun then addressed the offshore oil and gas wealth, saying that instead of promising the Lebanese people that the economy will be nourished through this discovery, disputes erupted over the salaries of the employees of the Petroleum Authority.

“Various countries, including European ones, are suffering from poor economic growth. Lebanon is not an isolated country and it is bound to be affected by the poor global economy.”

Syria

On Syria, Aoun reiterated his bloc's support for the policy of disassociation from the Syrian crisis, adding "we still believe in dialogue in Syria and we have stated that the regime will not collapse."

“No country that supports the Syrian revolution wants Lebanon to remain safe. Those countries brought takfeeris to Lebanon,” the FPM leader added.

He stressed that the rebellion underway in Syria aims at persecuting minorities and Christians, not reform.

On the issue of displaced Syrians, he said "this issue is beyond humanitarianism," adding that Arab,western countries should spare no effort to end the Syrian crisis, "which will resolve the case of refugees."

In conclusion, Aoun said "our patience is nearing its end with those tarnishing our image. Whoever wants to challenge us can meet us in court."