Syrians are in quest of return to Lebanon
In an interview to the French TV “France 24” Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri accused the Syrians “of trying to return to Lebanon. The proof is that, we have seen a lot of faces [of notable figures loyal to Syria] on the day of the release of the four generals that we haven’t seen for long time, and they have started to make threats.”
He reiterated his stance on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, saying that “since the first moment of its establishment we have announced that we would accept any decision.”
Hariri added, “We have sought to establish this tribunal because we believed that that this tribunal will put an end to the criminality and the series of assassinations that are sweeping Lebanon. It is the only institution that can reach the truth and grant us justice in the case of PM Hariri and all the martyrs of the Cedars Revolution.”
Hariri said, “General Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare said that the investigation is ongoing and we are awaiting its outcome.”
He also spoke about the reaction of the opposition to the release of the four generals, saying, “The STL is a reality now, and the decisions it has took are a reality as well, so the Lebanese from all the political movements should adapt to this fact.”
“I also said in a past interview that no one would mind if the tribunal discovered and punished Israel if it was the party which assassinated Rafik Hariri. We have directed the political accusation against Syria because those four generals were responsible for the security systems under the Syrian Hegemony and because Syria was launching a provocative campaign against Hariri,” he said.
“The other party accused Israel of the assassination after five minutes. Why do they have the right to accuse Israel without investigation or trial and we don’t?” Hariri asked.
He also said that there are political differences in Lebanon not only regarding the assassination of Hariri, but also concerning how to manage the country.
Hariri also admonished against the return of political tension, saying “calm is a must, but we can still have political disputes because our platforms are different. We want to have special relations with all the players in the region, but these relations must respect Lebanon’s freedom, sovereignty, independence and Arab identity.”
He said that he hopes the elections go forward in a calm atmosphere. Hariri stated that the issue of the release of the four generals will not affect the outcome of the elections.
Hariri spoke about the possibility of becoming the next Lebanese Prime Minister if the March 14 alliance wins the majority, saying, “When we reach that stage we will decide. I will announce my decision then.”
He concluded his interview with a call for a “calm handling” of the dispute between Hezbollah and Egypt.