Decisive next 48 hours
Beirut (AsiaNews) The next two days will be decisive in determining how Lebanon's crisis shall unfold. Prime Minister-designate Omar Karami is expected to announce his new cabinet and the United Nations commission of inquiry into the death of Rafik Hariri is scheduled to present its report to the United Nations. In the meantime, some sources suggest that Syrian pullout should be completed by mid-April.
The Lebanese are waiting to see what kind of cabinet Omar Karami will present. Some sources though indicate that he might withdraw unable to form a government of national unity because of the current political impasse and the deteriorating security situation. This in turn might make matters worse.
Press sources close to the presidency have suggested that as an alternative a government of 'national accord' with only ten members might be formed under former Trade Minister Adnan el-Kassar, a compromise figure acceptable to all parties.
Tensions are still palpable as the UN commission of inquiry chaired by deputy Irish police Commissioner Peter Fitzgerald submits its report into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to the Security Council in New York. Mr Fitzgerald has called for setting up a special court.
Lebanon is prepared to cooperate with the UN and the secretary general of Lebanon's Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Boutros Asaker, has been in New York since yesterday to present his government's position to the Security Council meeting.
Third important factor is the pullout of Syrian troops which should continue into next week, according to official sources. Syrian soldiers and secret services officials should be out of the country by mid-April.
Many observers are still trying to understand what results came of the meeting between Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nassrallah, and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt.
Others are saying that a deal might be brokered between President Émile Lahoud's allies and the opposition. (JH)
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12/04/2005
