Hariri: Policy Statement Proves 'Army-People-Resistance' Formula is No More
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri noted on Saturday that the government policy statement that was drafted on Friday does not grant one party or power authority over that of the state.
He said in a statement: “Several interpretations can be made over the policy statement, but one central truth is clear and that is there can be no return to the 'army-people-resistance' equation.”
“The policy statement does not allow any side to resort to arms outside of the authority of the state, its army and security institutions,” he remarked.
The policy statement also prevents Lebanon from getting involved in foreign wars.
“There can be no room for doubt that the resistance's weapons is an issue of contention that will be discussed at the national dialogue by the new president,” Hariri stressed.
In addition, he noted: “Today marks the third anniversary of the eruption of the Syrian uprising against the tyrant Bashar Assad.”
“This is an occasion for us to renew our call on Hizbullah to withdraw its fighters from Syria and avoid policies that only bring about division and destruction to the Lebanese people,” he stated.
The policy statement was approved late on Friday night after arduous talks between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over the contentious issue of the resistance and the role of the state in confronting Israel.
The three ministers of the Phalange Party and Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi voiced reservations however over the clause related to resistance against Israel.
"By the virtue of the state's responsibility to preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the government stresses the state's duty and efforts to liberate the Shebaa Farms, the Kfarshouba Hills and the occupied part of Ghajar (village) through all legitimate means, while stressing the right of Lebanese citizens to resist Israeli occupation, repel its aggressions and regain the occupied land," the policy statement read.
Speaker Nabih Berri called parliament to convene on March 19 and 20 to discuss the statement and later subject cabinet to a vote of confidence.
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