Hariri launches campaign from Tripoli
Lebanon, Politics, 6/15/2005

The Lebanese opposition figure Saad al-Hariri started his political moves in north Lebanon prior to the fourth and last phase of the parliamentary elections, expressing his hope to do well up again following the sudden victory in competing with Michael Aoun.

The son of the late former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri urged his supporters in the north of the Sunni majority to participate in the elections which will be held on Sunday saying "we have to fight ( to get the seats)." He indicated he will move to Tripoli for several days to energies his supporters and allies.

Hariri, 35 years old, the leader of al-Mustaqbal trend, gave no mention whether he can control the majority after the end of the four phases of the elections. But he indicated that he is waiting the final results to decide if he will seek to assume the presidency of the cabinet.

Hariri who joined the political scene after the assassination of his father on February 14 said he agrees with Aoun on several issues, especially reforms, but he differs with him concerning his alliance with politicians supporting Syria.

Following Aoun's winning in the elections of the Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa, and getting 21 seats out of 58 seats, the opposition now needs 19 seats among 28 in the north to control the parliament which is composed of 128 members. Worthy mentioning that the governorate of north Lebanon includes two elections circles represented by 28 seats, of which 15 are for Christians.

The Hariri alliance is competing with the Christian Qurnet Shehwan, the Lebanese forces, and the democratic left movement against the alliance of the former minister of the interior Suleiman Franjieh and the free national trend led by Michael Aoun.

Previous Stories:
  Washington satisfied with the Lebanese elections   (6/14/2005)
  Aoun aspires to expand his victories to the north   (6/14/2005)
  Aoun achieves victories in the Mount area, looks forward to the north   (6/14/2005)

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