 Lebanon's pro-Syrian president on Friday decried attempts by "international parties" to interfere in his country's presidential elections, saying it could further cast a pall on an already tumultuous process that has raised fears of fresh violence in the event of a collapse.
| Emile's not addressing himself to Syria, of course... |
Emile Lahoud, whose main rival in government is the anti-Syrian prime minister, Fouad Siniora, told the U.N. General Assembly that the Lebanese are capable of making their own decisions.
| As long as they're approved by Damascus... |
The worry is that a failure to decide on Lahoud's successor could result in two rival administrations. This occurred in the last two years of Lebanon's 15-year civil war when army units loyal to rival governments battled each other. Many in the international community — most recently the Security Council — have weighed in on the issue, giving a diplomatic nudge to Syria which, as the main power-broker in Lebanon, has been accused of involvement in a series of assassinations, including that of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. It denies any involvement. "Unfortunately," Lahoud said, "there have been attempts by international parties to intervene in Lebanon's domestic affairs in a way that contradicted international norms. Such interference could instigate hatred and increase tension on the Lebanese scene, a thing which not only might have negative repercussions on upcoming presidential elections but on the safety of the Lebanese as well."
| He said that with a straight face, too... |
While he did not specify what he meant by "international parties," the comment was likely directed at the United States and other Security Council members who have been openly critical of Syria and its support for Hezbollah. The militant Shiite group, which has been branded a terrorist organization by the United States, is a major force in Lebanese politics. |