Hariri expects cabinet to gain confidence with 99% of votes

Local Editor, 9-12-2009

The Lebanese Parliament finally convened on Tuesday to "discuss" the government of Prime Minister Saad Hariri's policy statement and afterwards, grant it the vote of confidence so that it could "launch" work..

Hariri expressed belief his government would get the confidence of 99% of attending lawmakers amid the absence of the principle of opposition.

The policy statement said the government is "determined to prevent all forms of tampering with civil peace and security," emphasizing that military and security decisions will solely remain in the hands of the state.

On the issue of resistance and arms, the statement said the government affirms the right of Lebanon - its people, army and resistance -- to "liberate or recover" Sheba'a Farms, Kfar Shouba Hills and the Lebanese part of the border town of Ghajar; to defend Lebanon against any aggression and to uphold Lebanon's right to water through legitimate means available.

It said the government is committed to UN Resolution 1701 and is determined to agree to a unified position on a comprehensive national defense strategy to safeguard Lebanon.