Free Patriotic Movement said there will be no group without Aoun

PARIS – Supporters of the former Army Commander General Michel Aoun refused invitation from friends and other groups to abandon the “General” and pursue their sociopolitical activity independently.

Aoun’s supporters organized into what is known as the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) won sympathy during the Baabda-Aley by-election held in mid September as they presented a well-rounded socioeconomic and political platform. But shortly after, the FPM came under fire when Aoun testified against the legitimacy of the Lebanese before a congressional committee.

Friends of Aounists, therefore, advised FPM supporters to abandon the “General” and continue with their sociopolitical campaign already launched for the first time during by-election.

FPM supporters refused, however, this proposal saying that there would be no FPM without Aoun and that it was the “General” who gave them their motivation and political aspiration to start their group.

Meanwhile, the group prepares itself for the coming student elections in different universities as well as elections at the Beirut Bar Association.

The group’s website is www.tayyar.org