Opposition members insisted Wednesday that the life of Chouf MP Walid Jumblatt, a leading member of the opposition was in danger. Speaking during a seminar held at the American University of Beirut (AUB), member of the Christian opposition Qornet Shehwan Gathering, Samir Franjieh said: "Yes, Jumblatt's life is threatened. That is why he is in his home in Mukhtara and not here with us today."The seminar, organized by the communications club at AUB, was held on the 29th anniversary of Kamal Jumblatt's assassination, and attended by Wael Abu Faour from Jumblatt's Progressive Socialist Party and a large number of students. Franjieh said the opposition would not participate in any government until its demands are fully met. "We are calling for the formation of a neutral Cabinet trusted by the people to overlook the upcoming polls, and to oversee a true Syrian pullout. This is the only way to make sure the withdrawal of Syrian troops, and most importantly Syrian intelligence, has taken place completely," he added.
Franjieh also lashed out at President Emile Lahoud, saying he was part of the security system that brought the country to the crisis it is facing today. He said: "Since he was the head of the army, until he became the president, he has been a major partner in the rule of the security apparatus in Lebanon." He added that the opposition would demand Lahoud's resignation only following the election of a new Parliament in the light of free and fair elections. He said: "The reason we are not demanding his resignation right now is that the current Parliament is mostly formed of pro-Syrian MPs and they might choose someone who falls in the same category as Lahoud."