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Lahoud remains unfazed by pressure
 Lebanon sank deeper into political paralysis Friday with President Emile Lahoud giving no indication that he was willing to set up consultation appointments for the formation of a new government before hearing the Syrian president's expected announcement regarding the withdrawal of his troops. The opposition's hardened position had muted Lahoud, forcing him to follow the rhythm of the international community. However, in the light of increasing domestic and international pressure for Syria to quit Lebanon, the opposition expects Lahoud to make concessions if he wants to avoid an imminent political stalemate.However, a stalemate seems imminent nevertheless. In response to Lahoud's call for constitutionally mandated parliamentary consultations to name a new premier, opposition leaders reaffirmed they would submit a list of demands, and refused to participate in any government that does not include their demands in its manifesto. This would be political suicide for Lahoud, said opposition leader Walid Jumblatt on a television program Thursday. Jumblatt reiterated that the opposition is seeking a probe to find former Premier Rafik Hariri's killers, the sacking of the heads of security agencies and the announcement of a Syrian pullout before accepting the formation of any new government. Opposition leaders accuse the pro-Syrian authorities of exploiting the fall of Premier Omar Karami's government to blame the protests for a power vacuum. Posted by: Fred 2005-03-05 |
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