Political bickering over future Lebanese government getting bitter
Beirut (AsiaNews) Tomorrow's meeting between leaders of Lebanon's main political parties to discuss the demand by Hezbollah and its allies to have a national unity government in which they will hold a third of all posts will be crucial. A third of all cabinet posts will enable the Islamist party to block the government anytime it wants. This issue is at the heart of a debate whose tones are becoming increasingly bitter.
Yesterday majority leaders like Hariri and Jumblatt accused Hezbollah and its allies (General Michel Aoun and former minister Souleiman Frangieh) of carrying out Tehran's orders. The opposition charged instead the Siniora government of being an instrument of US plans for the new Middle East.
In the background of all this are threats by Hezbollah to organise mass rallies if does not get its way and counter threats by Samir Geagea to do the same but against Hezbollah's demands.
Following two days of nonstop talks between Lebanese political leaders chaired by the parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, participants took a day off before bringing their plans back to the negotiating table tomorrow.
They agreed to delegate a Greek-Orthodox lawmaker, Michel Murr, seen as a "intelligent emissary", to conduct a series of talks with the various political parties over the issue. Murr will also meet President Lahoud and Maronite Patriarch Sfeir.
Altogether, the next 24 hours will be crucial for Lebanon.
Opposition media, especially Hezbollah's television station Al-Manar, insist on demanding a new cabinet capable of backing the victory against Israel, warning that its supporters would take to the streets until Fouad Siniora's government, seen as anti-opposition and lacking real leadership, is removed from office.
The creation of an international tribunal to try the political crimes committed since 2004 is another major bone of contention. Majority parties accuse Hezbollah and its allies of boycotting it even before it is set up.
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a member of the ruling majority, said that Saddam Hussein's death sentence could be an example for those involved in the murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
For his part, Speaker Berri, a Shia and considered close to the opposition, reiterated the need to respect UN resolutions "but without prevaricating Lebanon's will".
Despite criticism from different quarters over his initiative, Mr Berri said he was optimistic about the political situation, stressing how every side showed good will.
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