Jean Obeid Launches Campaign, Slams March 14 Bloc

 
Source: Almanar.com.lb, 3-5-2009

Lebanese former minister Jean Obeid announced on Sunday his candidacy "as an independent" for the Maronite seat in the Tripoli district, criticizing the March 14 bloc and its slogans.

Obeid said he rejected Lebanon's total enmity or submission to Syria and called for ensuring mutual respect between the two states. Obeid also called for ensuring the Palestinians' right of return to their homeland. He emphasized the importance of coexistence between all citizens regardless of their confessions and called for enhancing unity in Tripoli and in all of Lebanon. He said he supported President Michel Suleiman's efforts to foster dialogue and build the state.

Obeid said that he will forever seek the truth behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. "We want justice, not revenge or retaliation. We refuse that personal and political interests throw the local or international judiciary," he said.

"When we used to say that Rafik Hariri is a national and Arab leader, some accused him that he sought to swallow the country. The same ones are today attacking us over Rafik Hariri. Some of them know very well that Hariri wouldn't have welcomed them at his home, they also know that they only loved the dead Hariri not the alive one," he said.