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Franjieh accuses Jumblatt of hoarding arms
 Interior and Municipalities Minister Suleiman Franjieh lashed out at the Progressive Socialist Party President and opposition member Walid Jumblatt, accusing him of holding weapons at his stronghold in Mukhtara despite the disarmament of political parties. Speaking following the Cabinet session on Friday, Franjieh defended Prime Minister Omar Karami and himself against what he called "criticism against their person," stressing that criticism can be addressed democratically but not against one's person.The minister indicated that based on the opposition's approach, one can point his finger at Jumblatt immediately in case a member of the government was harmed. When asked why the government accused the opposition of collaboration, Franjieh defended the government, saying the opposition has previously called government officials "puppets." According to Franjieh, the opposition's escalation in the current phase meant civil war. "A major national catastrophe could lead the country to ruins," he said. Franjieh said he, as interior minister, assumes the political and moral responsibility for the assassination bid for neglecting security loopholes. "But, I will not accept to be held responsible for the blood of Hariri as the opposition claims," he said, adding that the opposition was "resorting to cheap exploitation of the incident to win parliamentary seats." Posted by: Fred 2005-02-19 |
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