Lebanese politicians start accusations while calling for dialog
Lebanon, Politics, 12/9/2006

Head of the Future Bloc in Lebanese Parliament Saad Hariri said only dialogue can resolve the prevailing political crisis, and said the creation of a so-called national unity government will not ease tensions. At a meeting with a delegation representing the Islamic Jurisprudent Council, led by its deputy head and former minister Omar Miskawi, Hariri said Lebanon faces a series of problems that should be brought to the negotiating table.

Although the situation in Lebanon is "complicated and difficult," MP Hariri said he hoped efforts to reach a settlement will yield fruit. He stressed that the only "victory" being sought is that of all the Lebanese and the country, not one for a specific group. Head of the Future Bloc also told the delegates that the creation of a 'national unity government' will not resolve the crisis, because it will only add a new problem to the existing ones.

Hariri said Islam is a religion of moderation and openness, adding there will be no resort to violence to achieve goals, not only because the Future Movement possesses no arms but also because its main strength stems from popular support.

Hariri had said Hizbullah-led protests in downtown Beirut to topple the government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora do not serve national goals but are a result of foreign orders to the group. He also made clear that the government will not fall due to ongoing demonstrations, and reiterated calls for dialogue and for building a state under the rule of Lebanese law. Hariri voiced full backing for the Maronite Church’s proposal to resolve the prevailing political crisis.


In an interview with the Egyptian satellite channel Nile TV, Head of the Future Bloc said calls for the creation of a national unity government do not aim at forging a real partnership among the Lebanese, because a real partnership should allow the government to make decisions of war and peace, which is being rejected. He stressed that a civil war will not erupt, despite Syrian and Israeli attempts to create divisions in the country. MP Hariri pointed out that Israeli and Syrian leaders must have been satisfied with Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah’s speech last night, in which he leveled accusations of treason and made threats. Hariri said a calm environment is required to re-launch dialogue and resolve the real crisis which is the Presidency, and to also discuss the formation of a government and the creation of an international tribunal to try the suspects in Prime Minister Rafic Hariri’s assassination.


Head of the Future Bloc told Nile TV the crisis began on July 12 when the war with Israel began, but added, for the first time in the history of the UN, a Security Council Resolution, in reference to Resolution 1701, mainly served Arab goals. However, Hariri said the government, which exerted efforts to pass the Resolution, is being accused of treason. He also stressed that deadlock resulted as a result of Syrian and Iranian orders, and questioned whether both countries value coexistence among people. He reaffirmed that the problem is the regime in Syria and not the people. MP Hariri said Lebanon cannot belong to any axis, neither Iranian and Syrian, and nor American, adding the US helped get Syria out of the country and supported the creation of an international tribunal.


Responding to claims by Hizbullah that it has evidence linked to recent disturbances in Beirut, Head of the Future Bloc said they should reveal their information and also evidence about the assassination of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and other figures. He also highlighted the fact that it was only Hizbullah that used its arms against other Lebanese, including the Amal Movement, during the civil war. He reaffirmed backing for the resistance against Israel.


In response to a question about Syrian claims that Damascus could have ended the crisis in Lebanon, if it had been interfering in the country’s affairs, MP Hariri told Nile TV that Syria was responsible for the current standoff and that along with Iran, Damascus is interfering in Lebanese affairs. He pledged to block attempts to turn Lebanon into a battle zone for foreign powers.


Head of the Future Bloc also said the Paris III international conference should take place to salvage the economy, and that all parties should commit to the Lebanese Constitution and the Taif Accord.

Previous Stories:
  Hizbullah demonstrations, Lebanon government talks stand still   (12/2/2006)
  Strategic goal of Lebanese leaders should be unity and internal stability: Hariri   (10/19/2006)
  Hariri: Lebanon 'historic' opportunity to liberate and rebuild the South   (10/12/2006)

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