Mashnouq: Lebanese are Not 'Sheep', Politics in Lebanon Governed by Elections

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq stressed Thursday that the Lebanese are not “sheep” and that “politics in Lebanon is governed by elections not pledges of allegiance,” when asked about reports that Riyadh is seeking to replace Prime Minister Saad Hariri with his brother Bahaeddine as leader of the al-Mustaqbal Movement.

“Lebanon is going through a major national crisis that requires constant consultation with the mufti and agreement on steps aimed at reaching a common vision regarding the issue of the government,” said Mashnouq after talks at Dar al-Fatwa with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan.

He called for awaiting Hariri's return to Lebanon from Saudi Arabia “because is the one who should decide the nature of the coming period, in consultation with all presidents and the concerned political forces.”

Asked about media reports claiming that Bahaeddine Hariri will replace his brother Saad, Mashnouq said: “These claims reflect ignorance of Lebanon's nature and the nature of politics in it. There is no proof that the issue is being discussed in a serious manner, and we are not a flock of sheep or a land lot whose ownership gets transferred from one person to another.”

“We elected PM Saad Hariri because he was the son of martyr premier Rafik Hariri in 2005, while in 2009 he was elected by the Lebanese... with his experience, mistakes, right moves and capabilities,” the minister added.

“In Lebanon, things happen through elections, not pledges of allegiance. This is Lebanon's different nature and anyone who thinks otherwise certainly does not know Lebanon nor its nature, atmosphere, politics and democratic system,” Mashnouq went on to say.

Hariri had announced his resignation on Saturday in a surprising and pre-recorded statement from Saudi Arabia.

In a haltingly delivered address, Hariri accused Iran of meddling in Arab affairs and Iran-backed Hizbullah of holding Lebanon hostage. He also said he feared for his life.

In his absence, Lebanon has been awash with speculation the prime minister may be held against his will in Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials have denied Hariri is under house arrest.