Hariri: Lebanese should defend their democracy
Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/27/2007

Head of the Future Bloc in Parliament MP Saad Hariri vowed to protect Lebanon, the Lebanese and legitimate constitutional institutions in the face of a campaign of terrorism, destruction and attempts to re-impose Syria's hegemony.

In an address to the Lebanese, following a day of destruction that accompanied what was billed a "general strike" by the opposition, MP Hariri urged vigilance and said the Lebanese should be ready to defend their democracy, and stressed they prevailed over bids to ignite sectarian fighting.

Hariri said Lebanon has been witnessing a wave of assassinations targeting national figures, starting with late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, and now the country faces a new campaign to "assassinate Lebanon," and the country's democracy, unity, Arabism, peace, free economy, freedom, and state institutions. He made clear that the disturbances of this "black and embarrassing day" served Israel's goals of re-igniting sectarian discord.

In his statement, Head of the Future Bloc said the actions of on the 23rd of the month sent a clear message that Lebanon must remain under Syria's hegemony. He cited President Bashar al-Assad's comments that he will "break" Lebanon. He added this mission of spreading terrorism and destruction has been put into action. However, MP Hariri pledged not to allow Syria back. He also said the goal of the opposition is not to increase its share in the government and is not against the government's economic program, but has ramifications including the international tribunal to try the suspects in Prime Minister Hariri's assassination, the Paris III international conference and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Mr. Hariri expressed solidarity with the victims of yesterdays' disturbances, and called on the Lebanese to be ready to defend the country and not to fear threats and escalation, which will only be met by threats and escalation.

On Wednesday, The NY Times reported that "Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, said Wednesday that Lebanon’s opposition movement had decided to stop short of toppling the government of Fouad Siniora, fearing civil strife. He warned, though, that Hezbollah and its allies would continue to ratchet up the pressure on Mr. Siniora in coming weeks and vowed not to back down on their demands."

Previous Stories:
  Siniora stresses friendly ties with Iran, Syria   (12/16/2006)
  Lebanese minister's assassination renew Syria diplomatic ties issue   (11/27/2006)
  Lebanese army man sues former Syrian officials   (11/18/2006)

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