Geagea Duels Hizbullah
| Despite claims by Iran that its consultations with Saudi Arabia have led to decreasing tension in Lebanon, Hizbullah continued to trade accusations with the March 14 majority alliance that backs Premier Fouad Saniora’s government. Mohammed Raad, leader of Hizbullah’s parliamentary bloc, has launched a vehement attack on Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and head of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt. Raad was quoted by the daily an-Nahar as saying Geagea and Jumblat were against the “principles set by (Ex-Premier) Rafik Hariri and Kamal Jumblat.” Hariri, father of parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri, was killed by a powerful blast that targeted his motorcade in Beirut on Feb. 14 2005. Kamal Jumblat, father of Walid and founder of the PSP, was killed in an ambush on March 16 1977. Both crimes have been blamed on the Syrian regime, which is one of Hizbullah’s mail supporters. Jumblat left for Washington Saturday to discuss the Lebanon situation with U.S. officials. However, Geaea responded quickly to Raad’s rhetoric saying the Hizbullah-led opposition has launched a “counter revolution against the Cedars’ Revolution in an effort to push the situation back to where it was during the past 15 years,” when Syria’s army and intelligence ruled Lebanon. Geagea also escalated his counter attack, stressing that pro-government factions “reject” a compromise cabinet that gives the majority 19 seats, the opposition 10 seats and allocates one seat for a neutral minister. “The problem is going to be a long one, Lebanon’s fate will be decided during this crisis, but this does not prevent reaching provisional settlements,” Geagea said. He stressed that the “real solution (will be achieved) when Lebanon sets course. The Cedar Revolution Course is going ahead,” Geagea stressed. Observers say Raad’s remarks reflect an effort by Hizbullah and Iran to drive a wedge in the alliance between Hariri , Geagea and Jumblat, an attempt that the parliamentary majority leader has been aware of and keen on foiling. |
| Beirut, 25 Feb 07 |
