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Lahoud Says Government 'Monopolizing' Authority

Lahoud: Saad Hariri "approaches national matters from a narrow perspective, which shows his political ignorance and his lack of manners and etiquette."

President Emile Lahoud accused his opponents Monday of robbing the country of its resources and monopolizing the decision-making process. The pro-Syrian president's attack against the March 14 Forces came on the heels of a month of political backbiting between the opposition and Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's Cabinet over his alleged mishandling of the aftermath of this summer's war with Israel.

The opposition, led by Hizbullah and the Free Patriotic Movement, has repeatedly called upon Siniora to resign and for the formation of a national unity government in which all parties would be represented.

Siniora, backed by the March 14 Forces, said his Cabinet would remain in office for as long as it enjoys Parliament's and the people's confidence.

Lahoud argued that all the campaigns launched against him since the 2005 assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri "were aimed at monopolizing the authority and marginalizing certain political parties whose positions contradict those of the majority."

"They are distracting the Lebanese people with fake problems, while they are stealing the country's resources and monopolizing the decision-making process," Lahoud said.

Lahoud added that parliamentary majority leader MP Saad Hariri lacks political experience and "approaches national matters from a narrow perspective, which shows his political ignorance and his lack of manners and etiquette."

"The difference between the late Hariri and his son Saad is enormous," Lahoud said. "Saad lacks his father's political qualifications and wisdom. He is still a debutant. His late father knew how to resolve matters in a more objective and serious manner. He was a man of ethics, who respected the structures of the Lebanese society," Lahoud told Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Anbaa.

Lahoud's comments came a day after he met with the prime minister for talks over diplomatic appointments. Apart from weekly Cabinet sessions, it was the first meeting between the two political rivals since July 12, when Hizbullah captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid that sparked the war.

Lahoud said his relationship with Siniora is prescribed by the Constitution, adding that the political climate inside Cabinet sessions is relaxed.

"Discussions during Cabinet sessions are clear and constructive ... the climate is quite different and contradictory to statements made on television or read in the newspapers," he said. "I still do not understand such a duality in stands. I don't know whether this is aimed at rallying popular support."

Lahoud reiterated his support for the formation of a national unity government, which "would lead the country, boost national economy and resolve all pending matters. The present Cabinet does not represent all segments of the society, and is unable to rally popular support."

In their weekly meetings, various pro-Syrian and anti-Syrian parties reiterated on Monday conflicting demands for and against Siniora's government.

The Future Movement in its weekly statement urged all sides to adopt dialogue "as the base to solve all problems to ensure Lebanon's interests."