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