Jumblatt refuses to back Lahoud's election as Lebanese president

Lebanese Minister of the Displaced Walid Jumblatt, who is also chairman of the Socialist Progressive Party in Lebanon, said on Wednesday that he will not take part in the extraordinary session of the Lebanese Cabinet which will be held this afternoon.

The session is dedicated to amending item three of article 49 from the Lebanese constitution to elect commander of the Lebanese Army Maj. Gen. Emile Lahoud as President of Lebanon. Jumblat added, following his meeting with Lebanese President Elias Hrawi together with Minister Akram Sheheib, that he will also not attend the session of the Lebanese parliament dedicated to electing the President.

Jumblatt said he will not permit anyone to force the Socialist Progressive Party or Walid Jumblat to cast his vote unconvinced. He said he does not agree with choosing a military man to assume the presidency in the country, "even if he takes off his military suit and comes in a civilian suit."

Jumblatt hoped that there would be political pluralism and competition in Lebanon.