Saniora: We would Not Succumb to Terror

Premier Fouad Saniora said Tuesday the Lebanese are eager for a settlement to the ongoing political crisis that is hampering the presidential election.

 

But Saniora vowed: “We would not succumb to terror, the gleam of weapons and assassinations.”

 

The premier stressed that being ready for a compromise means “making concessions by the majority in return for the other side giving up its attempt to block” the presidential election.

 

Such a compromise also requires providing the new head of state, when elected, with the capabilities to rule, Saniora said, addressing a book-signing ceremony.

 

He said the factions that block the presidential election are “Lebanese” in an apparent reference to the Hizbullah-led opposition, which is backed by Syria and Iran.

 

Saniora said the opposition wants a “Hands cuffed president” to “dismantle the Lebanese system under the slogan of seeking partnership.”

 

He cautioned, however, that in such a case “the ceiling would fall on us all.”

 

“That would not happen,” Saniora pledged.