Planned mutiny the only way to topple authorities says Toufeili
Lebanon, Politics, 10/14/1997

Breakaway Hizbullah leader Sheikh Sobhi Toufeili on October 13 called for toppling of the government through participation in an October 26 mutiny to protest against neglect of the Bekaa-Hermel region.

Speaking at a popular meeting in al Iman mosque in Baalbek, Toufeili described the leaders as "carnivorous vampires and criminals who rob the people's money," and asked citizens not to pay taxes or water and electricity bills.

"It looks like the only way to achieve our demands is by toppling this government which we do not recognize," he said. Toufeili said that the people must have one objective before them: "to force authorities out."

Toufeili questioned what had happened to all the promises made and the 150 billion Lebanese Lira allocated by the government to the Bekaa region.

"Where are the MPs and the ministers who swore to stand by the hungry in Baalbek Serial and threatened to revoke their confidence in the government if it did not fullfil its promises?" he said.

Toufeili accused the leaders of "proposing a budget to divide the country and to rob the public fortune so that they can live in palaces and buy fancy cars on our account."

"The country is suffering while the budget for garden plants alone at the government palace exceeded 150 million Lebanese Lira," Toufeili said.

Previous Stories:
  Toufeili's protests weaken the resistance   (8/18/1997)
  Hizbullah leader welcomes troops sent to muzzle protesters   (8/14/1997)
  State accused of scare tactics   (7/29/1997)

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