Elections on Time Even if I was Attacked
Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri on Wednesday called for holding the forthcoming parliamentary elections as scheduled "regardless of what happens and even if I was the victim of an attack aimed at blocking balloting."
Hariri made the call in Cairo after meeting Egyptian President Husni Mubarak.
He was obviously hitting back at what was regarded as an ulterior threat made by Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh recently by predicting renewed assassinations in Lebanon.
"Intimidation by some of Syria”s friends and allies in Lebanon could reflect the truth. They are capable of forming armed factions to carry out what they pledge," Hariri added.
"This would not terrorize Lebanese citizens who are keen on holding elections as scheduled" in the spring of 2009, Hariri added.
He reiterated Mubarak”s support for Lebanon”s independence and sovereignty.
Hariri also quoted Mubarak as saying security in Lebanon is as important to him as security in Egypt.
Mubarak, according to Hariri, also backs the holding of parliamentary elections in Lebanon as scheduled because it "consolidates democracy and stability."