BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman hit back Wednesday at Zghorta MP Suleiman Franjieh who had accused him of alleged irregularities in France and of making commitments to internal and international parties ahead of this year’s parliamentary elections.

In an interview with OTV, Franjieh said: “The president has painful files in France. When we elected him [in 2008], we were aware of these files but an international consensus brought him to the presidency.” He also claimed that Sleiman did not want the March 8 coalition to win the June elections.

Sleiman rejected the accusations, saying in a statement released by his office that he did not make any pledges or commitments to internal or international parties, particularly to France.

“The president does not submit to any dictates or orders whatever they are. He also confirms in particular that he is not shackled or restricted by files or committed to promises,” the statement said.

“Therefore, based on the transparency, credibility and commitment to the supreme national interest and legal responsibility, the president asks MP Sleiman Franjieh to present what he has to the Lebanese judiciary,” it added.

Sleiman also urged the judiciary to take the necessary legal measures in line with Articles 60 and 80, which cover the process for bringing to trial top government officials.