Lahoud accuses opponents of serving foreign forces

The Lebanese President Emil Lahoud accused the parliamentary majority of working with foreign forces allied with Israel, and insisted on completing his term office ending 2007.

Lahoud said in a message sent to the columnist of the French language "L Orient D' Jour" that the parliamentary majority which calls for his removal him "is obedient to foreign forces that move it." He referred to what he called the "alleged supreme force" had started to help foreigners by controlling the parliament. He said "today, the parliamentary majority with the help of foreign forces allied with Israel, is dividing Lebanon and with a clear aim which is to weaken Lebanon." He added "this opposition try to remove him from his post because he still presides over the only establishment which they do not control."

He added in the message which was published in the front page of the paper that he will not leave the Lebanese under the mercy of a government which he considered as "irresponsible."

In his unprecedented message, Lahoud indicated the US Secretary Of State Condaleezza Rice avoided meeting him during her recent visit to Lebanon. He said that this boycott against him by certain foreign forces and the ministers "is not undermining."

In the message which came as a reaction to a call for him to resign, the Lebanese president commended Syria's role during the Lebanese war. He renewed his persistence to remain in his post.