Wahhab stands by Aoun, criticizes government

Source: Nowlebanon.com, 9-10-2008
Former Minister Wiam Wahhab criticized the ruling alliance and denounced campaigns, he said, were aimed to undermine Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun and his opposition movement.
"[Prime Minister] Saniora is acting as though nothing has changed, as though he was not the head of a national unity government, and wasting money, as he has the past, when it comes to the High Relief Committee and in coordination with some countries that send aid to Lebanon," Wahhab told reporters in Rabiyeh on Thursday, where he was visiting Aoun.
"When we were in the government of Prime Minister Omar Karami, a month after the formation of the government," Wahhab said, "the Prime Minister requested this committee be stopped because it was considered a place of looting and theft."
Wahhab said he and Aoun had discussed the coming parliamentary elections, adding that there was a Saudi Arabian-led campaign against Aoun and his movement.
"They want to abolish a strong Christian because he resists the resettlement of the Palestinians," Wahhab said, "and we have witnessed the campaign targeting ... General Aoun and his movement." "We want Lebanon, and we are against the return of Syria," he added.
Wahhab said he had no qualms with Youth and Sports Minister Talal Areslan, but could not stand by Progressive Socialist Party president MP Walid Jumblatt.