A journalist from Le Quotidien de Paris went to Lebanon and made several interviews. He concluded that all the people - Christians and Moslems - support General Aoun. Interview held mid-January:
Q: Can you explain to me why the inhabitants of Beirut, Akkar, the Bekaa and Baalbak support you ?
MA: For several reasons. First on a personal level. I am the product of a mixed society. I lived with Muslims without any problem. We coexisted with mutual respect. They never tried to make me a Muslim, and I never tried to make them Christians. We shared basic views: We cherished freedom, sought justice and preached equality. We mutually understood, defended and implemented these values which accompanied me in throughout my military career.
I am a graduate of a government institution composed by both Christians and Muslims. The Muslim members of the Lebanese army did not desert me even on October 13 [1990] despite what is being circulated in the media which seeks to classify us as "these are Christians" and "these are Muslims."
This fact proves that I am not a Christian oriented politician even though I cherish my Christian religious views: To love and to be a witness for the truth. These values are honored by both Christians and Muslims.
Second, on a "nationalistic" level, I defended and continue to defend basic rights cherished by all: The independence and sovereignty of Lebanon, and the freedom of the Lebanese people.
I sought to serve my country with the best I had. It is true that the media at a crucial stage of the crisis was against me because the conspiracy was against Lebanon and me personally. Even today, we cannot even convince the international media that there are no "Christian generals" in Lebanon. They are called only "generals." They could be Christians and they could be Moslems.
The American media, until today, continues to label me as "the Christian militia leader" and I am a Prime Minister and Commander of the Lebanese Army.
There is an international consensus to stress on the divisions between Christians and Muslims and seek the downfall of every true nationalistic effort and display on the outside the appearance of Christian-Muslim conflict to prolong the war in Lebanon. After the exposure of the conspiracy and what happened during my presence at Baabda and beyond, the Lebanese people are now aware of the true facts. It is certain that they will chose the person whose vision reflects their own and whose message is in accordance with what they truly believe, regardless of that person's religious affiliation.
When confessionalism falls by practice, it will be replaced by common moral standards. Then, we would all stand in the defense of freedom, justice, and provide equal opportunities for all members of our society so that they will coexist in harmony. Here, I believe this is the course of action which I have undertaken and made the people - regardless of their religious background - rally to support me.