The paper said that Aoun announced he would support former MP Pierre Dakkash for the vacant seat. "Dakkash has his position and he is firm and close to all Christian parties. I think he is a consensual candidate and I support him," Aoun said. The political scene in Lebanon is expected to witness a real turn over in political affiliations in the upcoming by-election.

A similarity in policies was reported between Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement and Hizbullah on the one hand, and a disparity between the anti-Syria March 14 forces, who currently constitute the majority in parliament, including the LF, and Hizbullah and Amal Movement on the other hand. In the latest parliamentary elections which were held in spring-summer 2005, Hizbullah allied with the March 14 forces and won the elections in Baabda-Aley against the Aoun-Druze leader Talal Arslan alliance.

Commenting on the candidacy of TV anchor May Chidiac, who survived an assassination attempt in September, Aoun said that he supported her and acknowledged the suffering she is going through, "but there are certain standards for political work, and every person has his own history and political course." Chidiac suffered severe injuries when a bomb exploded underneath her car severing her left arm and leg. Chidiac, who announced her candidacy last week for the vacant Maronite seat in Baabda-Aley, said she was running as an independent candidate. But Aoun said that Chidiac represents the Lebanese Forces and that Saad al-Hariri nominated her. Chidiac is known for to support the Lebanese Forces and has a close relationship with Geagea.

Responding to Geagea's call last week to keep the vacant seat for the LF, Aoun said, "Let them have it via elections." Geagea said that the vacant parliamentary seat should be left for the Lebanese Forces, claiming the seat is there right (see weekend roundup). Geagea appealed to all political parties and factions who are considering nominating a candidate for the by-election to help the LF retain this seat. Geagea called on Aoun to support him and leave the seat for the LF.

Aoun went on to say that the majority in parliament has been preparing for the by-election for three months. Naim, who died at the age of 88, he has been reported as being ill for months. "They have been summoning mayors and I read that the budget for the battle is estimated at $15 million," Aoun said. The Christian leader denied forging any alliance with Hizbullah, saying, "We are in a state of dialogue. There are two issues that we haven't discussed with the Party of God until now, they are: the presidential elections and the Baabda-Aley by-election." (MER)