Uproar Over Qabalan”s Demand to Create Shiite Vice President Post
A demand by Lebanon”s highest Shiite authority Sheikh Abdul Amir Qabalan to create a new Shiite Vice President post drew prompt rejection, particularly from Christian leaders.
Former President Amin Gemayel expressed fears that such a suggestion was tantamount to "crowning a substitute state and a new regime being set up by Hizbullah in Lebanon."
Gemayel said Qabalan”s demand was a violation of the Lebanese Covenant.
"How can we suggest any amendments when there is one party heavily armed with potentials that surpass that of the state?" Gemayel asked.
Meanwhile, MP Butros Harb also believed that Qabalan”s demand was a breach of the constitution "since there is nothing in the constitution called Vice President post."
"This is a demand that cannot be fulfilled," Harb said.
Lebanese Forces MP George Adwan, however, said Qabalan”s suggestion "came at the wrong time."
"The new climate aimed at strengthening coexistence leaves no room for badly timed suggestions," Adwan said. "Now is not the time for that."