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  • BEIRUT: Dignity Bloc surprised by poll boycott

    Dignity Bloc surprised by poll boycott
    By Philip Abi akl

    The Daily Star, Lebanon
    June 2 2005

    Thursday, June 02, 2005

    A member of the Dignity Bloc stated that the results of the elections
    in the capital were positive and expressed the loyalty of the Beirutis
    to late former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

    He also rejected claims that the Future Movement and the opposition
    have failed to encourage the enthusiasm of the Lebanese.

    The Dignity Bloc member was surprised by the Armenian and Christian
    boycott of the elections and by the negative reactions to the decision
    of the widow of former President-elect Bashir Gemayel, Solange,
    to run as a candidate.

    Sources said the electoral results in Beirut would have an impact on
    the outcome in different areas of Lebanon. It is possible that some
    political figures, who have announced their boycott to the elections,
    will rethink their decisions.

    Sources close to Saad Hariri said the alliance between Hizbullah, Amal
    Movement, the Democratic Gathering and the Future Movement, which was
    criticized by some political parties for being a sectarian coalition
    aiming to oust President Emile Lahoud, is a political alliance free
    of sectarianism, as it includes the Lebanese Forces and the Qornet
    Shehwan Gathering.

    Accordingly, sources were surprised by the reaction of FPM leader
    Michel Aoun and could not understand the reasons behind the attacks
    carried out against the Future Movement.

    The coalition of the opposition forces will be asked to set up
    a program for the three-month period following the parliamentary
    elections in order to show the international community that it can
    deal with the challenges ahead and in order to gain the support of
    foreign countries, in particular the United States.

    The coming period might bring with it international pressure for the
    full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1559, as its
    implementation paves the way for the liberation of the Shebaa Farms.


    Consequently, the issue of disarming Hizbullah and the Palestinian
    factions represents the major concern for the local forces and the
    international community.

    Members in the coalition believe that Najib Mikati will be reappointed
    as prime minister and Nabih Berri will be re-elected as Parliament
    speaker, particularly since Berri is considered to be a strong, Shiite
    leader capable of productive dialogue regarding Hizbullah's arms.

    Berri's return is supported by the coalition as well as by the
    United States.

    As for Lahoud, the coalition said it will call for his resignation
    following the elections, in view of his incapacity to contribute to
    the reform program and the march toward change.

    However, sources close to Lahoud said the president cannot be forced
    to resign according to the Constitution and that American and French
    officials, who had in the past boycotted the Presidential Palace,
    have resumed their visits with the head of state.

    Sources said foreign countries insisted on holding the parliamentary
    polls within the constitutional deadlines and on the basis of the
    2000 electoral law (called for by Berri) to facilitate negotiations
    with the Shiite community regarding the disarming of Hizbullah.

    This issue may become a primary national concern in the near future
    with a possible lending of support by Lebanese factions to Hizbullah
    as a resistance movement and not as a militia. The group's legitimacy
    lies in its opposition to Israel and defense of Lebanese territories.

    The words of Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Liberation
    Day symbolize a clear message to Israel, which is counting on the UN
    to disarm the group.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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