Independent March 14 Officials: Baabda Declaration Must Act as New Cabinet's Ministerial Statement

Independent March 14 officials expressed on Monday their support for President Michel Suleiman in light of the resignation of the government last week.

They said after a meeting at MP Butros Harb's residence: “The Baabda Declaration should serve as the new cabinet's ministerial statement.”

They added that the government's resignation helped ease fears that some of its members would attempt to “topple Lebanon's system from their positions in power.”

They noted however that the resignation “did not eliminate concerns that the illegitimate arms would once again return to harm the country's unity.”

The gatherers therefore urged the need for “wisdom and moderation during consultations to form a new government,” stressing that “those making impossible demands should abandon them.”

The independent March 14 officials also held those sides responsible “for whatever may happen in Lebanon” due to their stances.

Moreover, they renewed their commitment to holding the parliamentary elections as scheduled on June 9.

On that note, they urged the need for political powers to reach an agreement over an electoral law that would ensure fair representation among all Lebanese.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati had announced on Friday the resignation of the government over its failure to agree on extending the term of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi and forming the authority to oversee the elections.

Signed during a national dialogue session in June, the Baabda Declaration calls for Lebanon to disassociate itself from regional conflicts.