Lebanon Detects Forged Identity Cards ahead of Crucial Elections
Lebanese authorities have detected forged identity cards only four days ahead of crucial parliamentary elections, which pit the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority against the Hizbullah-led alliance.
The report on evidence of dozens of fake identity cards was uncovered by Prime Minister Fouad Saniora during an ordinary Cabinet session on Tuesday.
Interior Minister Ziad Baroud said the ministry had "put its hand on the issue."
"We have taken strict measures and we will take even stringiest measures to bring the situation under control," Baroud was quoted as telling Cabinet ministers.
The daily An Nahar on Wednesday, citing ministerial sources, said those involved will be brought to justice.
Baroud also vowed "not to remain idle."
"Regardless of the number of forged identity cards, the culprits will not able to use them. This is not easy and we are active."
Al Akhbar newspaper, meanwhile, also spoke of "sealed envelopes" to be used to enable election fraud.
Baroud said, however, said that the 2009 electoral process will be the first in the history of Lebanon where it would be impossible to see envelopes outside the polling stations.
The long-delayed 2009 state budget was not on the Cabinet agenda Tuesday.
However, 88 other items on the agenda, including draft laws to protect women against domestic violence and regulate the profession of nursing in Lebanon, were approved.
Saniora indicated the likelihood of holding two more Cabinet sessions after parliamentary elections since government term expires June 20.