Source: Nowlebanon.com, 23-4-2009

Minister of State Nassib Lahoud's media office issued a statement on Thursday rejecting "continuous speeches" of Kataeb Party leader Amin Gemayel and MP Michel al-Murr that claimed Lahoud withdrew his candidacy for personal reasons.

The statement read that Lahoud had mentioned the reasons of his decision to withdraw twice, which was during his brief statement issued on April 17 and at his press conference held on March 15.

"Lahoud deliberately refrained from discussing the details and debates with his so-called allies to ensure the higher interest of the March 14 alliance and to respect its supporters' struggles and sacrifices," the statement concluded.