Hariri Announces March 14 List in Akkar, Derides March 8
MP Saad Hariri on Tuesday announced March 14 list of candidates in the district of Akkar and lambasted March 8 for failing to support the Army and the city during the Nahr el-Bared battle.
Addressing a public rally in Akkar, Hariri said the "Future of Akkar" candidates were Hadi Hbeish, Riad Rahhal, Nidal Tohmeh, Naim Mereibeh, Khaled al-Daher, Khaled Zahrman and Khodr Habib.
He then took a swipe at his political opponents telling the crowd to "take a close look at the March 8 candidates in Akkar."
"Then I want you to ask “where were these (contenders) the day (ex-Premier Rafik) Hariri was martyred? (Where were they) when the army, your sons and your brothers were subjected to one of the most gruesome massacres in Nahr el-Bared?" he said.
"Did they stand by the army, the state, the mothers of martyrs, the widows and the orphans? Where were they during the wave of assassinations, terrorist explosions, during the obstruction of state institutions and dialogue and during the aggression against the people, their dignities and businesses?
Hariri pledged to "follow in (the late) Hariri”s footsteps in the service of Lebanon."
"I tell you with all honesty that they are trying once again to kill Hariri”s legacy through the voting ballot," Hariri warned.
"When they murdered Rafik Hariri you were the first to realize that the real target was Lebanon… and Lebanon”s coexistence, unity, the economy…" he said.
Hariri said the June 7 polls will be a chance to renew "allegiance to Rafik Hariri and … to insist on the international tribunal for the sake of justice and the protection of Lebanon from the murderers."
The Future Movement leader singled out Akkar”s Arab tribes, who he said enjoyed "historical ties" with his family.
"I am the candidate of the Arab tribes. You are my brethren and the future lies before us. This is your ticket."
Before the rally, three candidates informed Hariri of their decision to withdraw from the race.
The contenders are Mohammed Hassan Noman and Khalil Mustapha Mustapha who were running for the Sunni seats in Akkar in addition to Mohammed al-Somaili of the Western Bekaa-Rashaya district.