Sheikh Ammar: Saniora΄s candidacy is an unfortunate decision taken against us

 
Source: Nowlebanon.com, 8-4-2009

Head of the political bureau of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya Ali al-Sheikh Ammar criticized in an interview with LBC television on Wednesday Prime Minister Fouad Saniora's candidacy for the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Saida district, saying it was an "unfortunate decision and is directly made against my party."

Ammar said he was surprised with the Future Movement's decision to back Saniora's candidacy in Saida and called on the movement "to fix the situation," because both parties share the city.
Ammar also said Future had to come up with new ideas, adding that his party was still committed to working with Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri, as had been the case prior to former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination.

The political bureau head said his party was still communicating with the Future Movement, however, al-Jamaa al-Islamiya would keep its candidates in the districts where it was popular. He said his party would finalize its nominations within the next few days.

He added that the Saida district was crucial for his party, saying, "Our Islamic audience will not forgive us if we take a rash decision." He said Imad al-Hout's candidacy in the Beirut III district was confirmed, noting that it was a first step toward reaching an understanding with Future.