Franjieh: Opposition”s Participation in Government Conditioned by Veto Power
MP-elect Suleiman Franjieh insisted on Saturday that the opposition will not take part in a new government that does not grant it veto power.
In an interview with Reuters, Franjieh said: "The opposition is committed to its position. Without veto power it will not participate in the government. The statements we are hearing from others are very sweet and very positive but do not mention veto power."
Al-Marada leader said that Hizbullah and Speaker Nabih Berri both shared his views on the matter. "Any other formula is unaccepted by the opposition."
On the opposition”s reaction if it was not granted veto power, Franjieh said "we will not hamper the process but we will refuse to enter the government."
"We consider that quitting this government and being part of an opposition will be better … than becoming false witnesses in any government that will be formed after the elections," he said.
Suleiman also said that the opposition did not object to President Michel Suleiman being awarded "a bigger role as long as it is not at its expense."