Head of the Future bloc in Parliament MP Saad Rafic Hariri called for the resignation of President Emile Lahoud, in line with popular demand and not because of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559’s requirements. In a wide-ranging interview with the Voice of Lebanon radio station, MP Hariri said his call on President Lahoud to step down did not target Hizbollah or the Amal Movement as some claim, but aims at strengthening the position of the Presidency, which has been weakened and isolated by the current head of state.
In the interview, MP Hariri stressed that the resistance in Lebanon can only be served and protected by a strong President, and said that Patriarch Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir appears to support the resignation of President Lahoud, however the method remains to be seen. Mr. Hariri made clear that the next President will be appointed by the Lebanese themselves and by all factions in the country, including the resistance, to uphold the interests of Lebanon alone above any other considerations.
MP Hariri said the Syrian-Lebanese security regime is based in the Baabda presidential palace, contrary to the will of the Lebanese, adding the President’s priorities are focused on the regime of intelligence and “terrorism.”
In the live talk show hosted by Ms. Wardeh, MP Hariri paid tribute to assassinated Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, and said the one-million person march on February 14, commemorating the first anniversary of the assassination, amounted to a message to the terrorists who killed the late Premier, that his legacy will remain alive and that the Lebanese support national unity, sovereignty, freedom and independence, in the face of attempts to sow discord in the country. Despite a present and clear danger, MP Hariri said he decided to return to Beirut to take part in the downtown commemoration.
Regarding the international probe into Prime Minister Hariri’s assassination, MP Hariri expressed confidence in the UN-commissioned team’s mandate. In response to a question on ties with Syria and the ongoing investigation, MP Hariri reiterated that the family is willing to separate the probe from ties with Syria, and cited government efforts to reach out to Damascus, however they were countered with a vicious Syrian campaign against Lebanon, confirming that their priority remains the international investigation and not relations with Beirut.
Commenting on a declared bid by House Speaker Nabih Berri to launch national dialogue, MP Hariri pointed out that he supports dialogue and that the March 14 factions back peaceful and democratic dialogue, despite the assassinations that have targeted the front’s figures. He cited Pope Benedict’s statement that Lebanon is a “model,” and told the radio talk show that this role of the country will be upheld.