MP Hajj Hassan: One-third vote guarantees opposition participation

Source: NowLebanon, 20-02-2008
Bloc member MP Hussein Hajj Hassan described the political situation in Lebanon as still "torn," resulting in social, political and national security problems.
The solution, he said, is through "partnership," and not internationalization or speeches that incite civil unrest, war or "divorce." "Lebanon cannot be divided by sect, confession or region," he said.
Hajj Hassan questioned "the true American position," which he said in fact rejected the Arab initiative.
In a lecture at the Institute of Social Sciences at the Lebanese University in Sidon, Hajj Hassan said that "what happened in some suburbs of Beirut were provocations that led to clashes," and he expressed his hope that these clashes would not recur. He ruled out the possibility of civil war, as it "is not in anyone's interest."
Hajj Hassan said he was disconcerted by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's statement referring to "the opposition's coup against the Taif Accord."
The government's "American allies, if not masters, speak of Lebanon in these terms," Hajj Hassan said. American support for the government, he added, is a priority for US national security.
"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that Lebanon has an advanced position in the Middle Eastern project between moderation and terrorism." He criticized Siniora's "shame in the victorious pride of the resistance during the July War."
Hajj Hassan added that "asking for the obstructing one-third vote is for the protection of important decisions and to ensure that the opposition is a partner in responsibility, and not just spectators."
"The Lebanese opposition requests partnership in rule and government, and it is open to the initiative taken by the Arab League," he concluded.