The Opposition Will Be Stronger in Raising Votes
President Michel Suleiman said Wednesday he expected a close race on June 7 with the opposition being in a stronger position to raise support and also praised Lebanon”s "solid" ties with Syria.
His comments came in a wide-ranging interview with the al-hawadith magazine and affiliating publications La Revue du Liban, al-Bairaq and Monday Morning
On the elections, Suleiman said: "I cannot see why the elections will not be held on time. I call on Lebanese living abroad to cast their ballots because Lebanon needs them.
"When we are facing a tight race, the loser will have a stronger platform than that of the winner," he added.
He expected the winners to have a parliamentary majority by only two deputies.
"This is why the opposing side will have a stronger position to raise votes," he added.
"My plan is to place the right man in the right place," Suleiman said.
"Today we are trying to form a national consensus government which must be in compliance with the constitution. We do not have the right to impose a sectarian representation which is also non-political," he added.
The president also praised the government”s performance in maintaining political stability and security in the country.
On the Constitutional Council, Suleiman stressed that the elections "should not" take place before the remaining members of the body were appointed.
"The Council is not facing any hurdles to complete the appointments. We are trying to select those who are qualified and at the same time enjoy the support of two thirds of Cabinet members," he explained.
On Lebanese-Syrian ties, Suleiman said relations between the two countries were "deeply rooted and exceed mere diplomacy."
He said he was certain that Syria would respond to Lebanon”s request to extradite fugitives implicated in a deadly ambush against Lebanese troops last month in the Bekaa.
On the regional level, Suleiman said Lebanon was prepared to hold negotiations with Israel for "a just and comprehensive peace based on the provisions of the Madrid accord."
He then asked: "Do they (Israelis) want to negotiate over Shebaa, Ghajar or Lebanon”s water resources? Or do they want to negotiate over the espionage networks they have planted in Lebanon?
"Do they want to negotiate over the rights of Palestinian refugees in Lebanese camps for the purpose of settling them (in Lebanon)?
"Our opposition to the settlement of Palestinians is not only enshrined in the Constitution, but also in the Taef accord which has been endorsed by the Security Council and is now an international document," Suleiman said.
He said he noticed a shift in U.S. approach toward Iran and the Middle East peace process, which is "a central matter for Arabs."
The president also underlined the necessity of the National Dialogue saying "no state can reach a (final) strategy overnight. It is not an easy task."