Skaff held ruling party responsible for provoking citizens who incited the clashes

Source: nowlebanon.com, 17-06-2006

Popular Bloc leader MP Elie Skaff emphasized his solidarity with the Tashnaq party on the formation of the government and the recent security problems in Taalabaya and Saadnayel on Monday.

"We must resolve this issue quickly, because we cannot ask the army for miracles," Skaff said. The MP held the ruling party responsible for provoking the citizens who incited the clashes.

"This must be resolved, and the person responsible should bear the consequences," Skaff stated.
Skaff said the problem in the government was the distribution of portfolios, and not the individuals involved. MP Skaff denounced the ruling team's "monopoly" over essential sovereign ministries. "All Lebanese today, whatever their political affiliation, should feel that are participants in the management of the country," he added.

Skaff said the time frame for the government's completion was a "matter of intentions," adding that the opposition would not give up their demands easily.