MEKHITARIAN SAYS IMPORTANT TO HOLD PEACEFUL ELECTIONS

NowLebanon
April 2 2009
Lebanon

Tashnaq Secretary General Hovig Mekhitarian said on Thursday that it
was important to preserve a peaceful atmosphere during the upcoming
elections.

After a visit with Vice President of the Higher Shia Islamic Council
Sheikh Abdul Amir Qabalan, Mekhitarian said, "The elections should be
carried out free from tension, violence, provocative political speeches
and everything which indicates deep divisions over Lebanon’s principles
of independence, sovereignty, freedom, coexistence and dialogue."

"Lebanon is a democratic state built on the necessity of partnership
and coexistence… there is no democracy without justice," he said,
adding, "We hope Lebanon emerges as the victor of the elections."