Hariri: If there is National Will, Crisis Would Be Solved
Mustaqbal Movement leader and MP Saad Hariri said in an interview on the occasion of the third anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Premier Rafik Hariri, that when there is national will, the long-running Lebanon political crisis would be solved.
“If there is a national will, then the problem can be solved away from foreign interference,” Hariri said in the interview broadcast on his Future TV late Saturday from the northern port city of Tripoli.
Gunfire rang out in Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon soon as Hariri”s interview began in celebration of the deputy”s TV appearance.
TV footage showed supporters, brandishing Hariri posters, cheer in the streets of Tripoli, some dancing.
Hariri called on both Christians and Muslims to go down to Martyrs Square on Feb. 14 “to defend Lebanon so it won”t be assassinated again.”
He accused Syrian President Bashar Assad”s regime of attempting to assassinate Lebanon, pledging to foil such a challenge.
Hariri, insisting that the pro-government March 14 alliance is a “silent majority,” said his coalition was not after a confrontation with the opposition.
“We don”t want a confrontation. But if we are dragged into one, we will not stay hands tied,” Hariri vowed, adding that Israel and Syria “are the beneficiaries of such a confrontation.”
“Is this what the opposition wants?” he asked.
Hariri believed that any “penetration by Syria of a Lebanese party is a national, and not sectarian, penetration.”
On the Arab plan and efforts by Arab League chief Amr Moussa to convince the various political sides to implement it, Hariri said he was convinced that Syria does not want presidential elections.
Although he admitted that there were a difference in view over the Arab initiative, Hariri said he was confident that at the end army commander Gen. Michel Suleiman will be elected President.
Hariri stressed that March 14 wants to “build a civilized country.”
“March 14 Forces can attract Arab and foreign investment as well as get international help for Lebanon. What can they (opposition) do for their country?” Hariri asked.
Regarding a verbal campaign against Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, Hariri described the prelate as “Lebanon”s conscience,” adding that attacking spiritual leaders is “disgraceful.”
On the international tribunal to try suspects in his father”s murder as well as 14 other crimes, Hariri said he was confident that the United Nations “is doing a clear, honest and transparent job, and a ruling will be issued.”
“I expect to get justice from the international tribunal,” he said.
Hariri reiterated that he is “positive of Syria”s involvement in Hariri”s assassination.”
“We will continue rebuilding Lebanon and we will achieve our goal of free, independent Lebanon despite the obstacles,” Hariri vowed.
He reminded the opposition that Lebanon will “stay and everybody one day would leave. That”s why they should think of Lebanon”s interests because history has no mercy.”