Hariri: Political battle underway with remnants of intelligence regime

Head of the Future bloc in parliament Saad al-Hariri said there is an ongoing political battle with remnants of the security and intelligence regime who seek to restore a rule of corruption and killings in Lebanon, but vowed to prevent their return.

Hariri said that the March 14 factions are acting as one despite some differences in their points of view, adding that the political battle will not end soon and will be long, because those who killed Prime Minister Rafic al-Hariri and were benefiting from a corrupt regime did not anticipate the March 14 demonstrations in downtown Beirut, which ended their rule.

He said remnants of the regime are now "dreaming" of returning to power, but that will not happen. Al-Hariri pointed out that ongoing political campaigns which have been targeting the Future Movement aim at derailing the international probe of his father and the creation of an international tribunal. He vowed not to respond to the attacks, not as a sign of weakness, but as part of his commitment to pursue the late Premier's legacy and political path.