Hizbullah MP stresses need for `real partnership`

Source: Daily Star, 17-11-2006
BAABDA: MP Hussein Hajj Hassan said on Thursday that Hizbullah and Amal ministers had resigned from Cabinet not for reasons relating to an international tribunal to try suspects in the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri, "but rather because we failed to agree on the majority of pending issues."
The resignations last weekend were intended to ensure that no unilateral decisions were made, the Hizbullah legislator said, "and to secure real partnership in running the country."
"We wanted all Lebanese to reach a consensus regarding the formation of an international court," he said. "However, the ruling majority attempted to turn it into a controversial issue in order to monopolize power and subject Lebanon to international hegemony."
Hajj Hassan spoke to reporters following a meeting with President Emile Lahoud at Baabda Palace on Thursday. The two discussed the political situation in light of the resignations.
Hajj Hassan said citizens had no need to fear that demonstrations organized by the opposition would lead to instability, "because it is Hizbullah that is going to work on restoring stability to the country."
Hizbullah would remain loyal to the Taif Accord and National Pact, he said, adding that he had told Lahoud that any future decisions made by the opposition would be "peaceful and democratic."
Hajj Hassan said he hoped that the majority would attempt to establish "common ground" with the opposition "before things get out of control."