Aoun: ruling party fuels conflict and incites war

Source: alalam.ir, 12-2-2008
BEIRUT- Christian opposition leader General Michel Aoun on Monday accused the ruling bloc of having created "a climate of fear which can trigger clashes at any moment and push the situation out of control."
Aoun, addressing a news conference at his residence in suburban Rabiyeh north of Beirut, said that the leaders of the 'March (Feb.) 14' majority would be held responsible for any escalation, noting that "foreign capitals hear the echo of clashes, differences and civil war."
"They are even speaking of civil war in the Western embassies," he said. "The situation is dangerous and the majority is to blame."
He attacked Progressive Socialist leader Walid Jumblat, saying: "We know his military capabilities and he cannot strip anyone of even one rocket."
Aoun said the Feb. 14 rally, which marks the third anniversary of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's assassination, should not be an occasion "to set the nation ablaze."
He accused majority leaders of "rejecting partnership. That is why they differ on shares within the cabinet."
"The crisis is on of trust, not figures," Aoun said.
"No one should dream of a government in which the opposition has no influence in decision-making," Aoun said.
He announced: "I am the negotiator and no one intervenes with me, neither Iran nor Syria."
The power struggle between the parliamentary ruling party and the opposition has sparked street clashes after weekend violence and angry political speeches.
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a key figure in Lebanon's ruling majority, on Sunday launched a verbal assault on the opposition, saying his side is ready for war.
Jumblatt told a news conference, "You want disorder? It will be welcomed. You want war? It will be welcomed. We have no problem with weapons, no problem with missiles. We will bring them to you."
The head of the Future movement, Saad Hariri, also said that if the country's destiny was confrontation, they were ready.
This toughening of rhetoric amid an already delicate situation has translated into clashes on the streets of Beirut and its outskirts.
At least two people were wounded on Sunday in a gunfight between Druze supporters loyal to Jumblatt and a Druze group in Aley, east of the capital.
Shots were also fired on Sunday in an altercation between Hariri supporters and parliament speaker Nabih Berri's security services, a security official said.
The number of violent incidents has increased sharply since January 27, when seven people were killed, including members of Hizbullah and Amal, south of Beirut when a street protest against powers cuts erupted into violence.