Lebanon’s Amal movement “surprised” by Macron accusations

Lebanon’s Amal movement expressed surprise on Tuesday over accusations by French President Emmanuel Macron that the Shi’ite party triggered the collapse of talks to form a new government.

Macron admonished Lebanon’s leaders for serving their own interests ahead of their country’s, saying he was “ashamed” of their behaviour. He also questioned the role Lebanon’s two main Shi’ite groups, Amal and Hezbollah, played in obstructing the formation of government.

“The movement, while it respects the role French President Macron has played, is surprised by comments he made that included accusations and holding (the Amal Movement and Hezbollah) especially responsible,” for stalling the process, Amal said in its statement.