Frangieh: Our relationship with Syria must be good

On the Syrian issue, Frangieh said that concern for Syria’s various communities is natural, stressing the need for good relations between Lebanon and Syria.

He said he had never exploited his relationship with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, nor engaged in “flattery.” He added that if visiting Syria serves Lebanon’s interests or plays a positive role, he would not hesitate to do so, but he would not go “just to take a picture.”

He also said that, under the auspices of Bkerke, he had expressed concerns about the Muslim Brotherhood assuming power in Syria as an alternative to the previous regime, arguing that any party that feels threatened has the right to seek a solution or way out.

Criticism of “selective justice”

On judicial and security affairs, Frangieh criticized what he described as “selective justice,” arguing that applying a single standard when dealing with cases provides reassurance, whereas double standards increase doubts.

He referred to materials discovered in southern Lebanon, saying that Lebanese media outlets quickly blamed Hezbollah for their presence, before it allegedly became clear, according to him, that the materials were connected to Israel. He said the voices that had accused Hezbollah subsequently “fell silent.”

The Army and internal settlements

Regarding the Lebanese Army, Frangieh questioned whether marginalizing the military institution is what leads to its division, or whether involving it in an internal confrontation is the factor threatening its unity.

He said the current phase requires giving time and regional settlements a chance to strengthen the domestic situation and achieve lasting stability, noting that any discussion of a government reshuffle depends on the nature of regional developments and must take place according to democratic principles.

Call for consensus and rejection of rushed normalization

Regarding the resistance and relations with Israel, Frangieh stressed that the priority should be achieving internal consensus and building a “national project,” arguing that the President of the Republic can play a key role in this regard in coordination with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

On normalization with Israel, he said Lebanon should be “the last Arab state to normalize,” or at least coordinate its position with Saudi Arabia to strengthen its position and avoid isolation.

Frangieh concluded by emphasizing the importance of waiting for regional developments and strengthening Lebanon’s internal position, arguing that the current phase requires national consensus and political coordination rather than unilateral steps.