Aoun: Government Negligent in Blast

Source: alalam.ir, 13-12-2007
BEIRUT-Lebanese opposition leader Michel Aoun has said the government should be held responsible for the latest blast which killed army general Francoise El-Hajj on Wednesday.
In a press conference on Thursday, Aoun, in particular, pointed finger of accusation at the interior ministry "which has limited the duties of the army to ensure stability and security of the country."
Brig. Gen. Francois El-Hajj, believed to be a top candidate to take over as army commander in the event current commander Gen. Michel Suleiman is elected president, was killed in the explosion in Beirut's Christian suburb of Baabda along with his bodyguard.
Aoun expressed fears that the incident might be the continuation of a series of blasts which has rocked the nation by targeting political figures since Feb 14, 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafique Hariri.
Aoun once again took a swipe at the majority, saying they are stalling the political process to elect current army head Michel Sleiman as the compromise president.
The post has been vacant since former president Emile Lahoud left office at the end of his tenure last month without a successor in place.
He added: "If they (the majority) are really willing to reach an understanding, I am ready for negotiations to strike a deal and save the nation and save Lebanon from the crisis which has affected the whole nation."
Aoun warned of the economic consequences of the existing deadlock and stressed the need to create a new power sharing method which could lead to "prosperity and development".
Lebanese opposition leader Michel Aoun speaks during a press conference.