Following a meeting Wednesday between Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Kataeb bloc MP Elie Marouni, the LF’s media office issued a statement that the latter holds President Michel Sleiman responsible for any decision issued by the national dialogue.

According to the statement, Marouni also said that Sleiman assured him that there would be no need for the Arab League to be represented in the dialogue. However, he added that the president said the Arab League could participate in case there was a need for their help.

March 14 alliance General Secretariat Coordinator Fares Soueid called last for the Arab League’s participation, saying it would ensure Arab protection of Lebanon.

“The national dialogue should discuss a national defense strategy based on the principle that only the Lebanese army should be carrying weapons in order not to give Israel an excuse to attack us,” the statement quoted Marouni as saying.

According to the statement, the Kataeb bloc MP also said attacks against the LF and its leaders are coming from parties that support Syria, a possible reference to Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. 

“Using isolation as a policy would only lead us to be more united,” he added, possibly referring to attempts to isolate the LF.

Geagea and Marouni discussed the national dialogue as well as the municipal elections, the statement added.

Marouni also said that the Kataeb and the LF would cooperate together in Zahle for the municipal elections, adding that he calls for the elections to be held on time in order to respect the constitution.

-NOW Lebanon

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