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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Opposition will join Cabinet if Karami quits
2005-03-19
Opposition member MP Butros Harb spoke for the first time about the inclusion of opposition members in a "national unity government," a surprising position which comes after the opposition's insistence that it will only participate in a "neutral government." Harb, a of the Christian opposition Qornet Shehwan Gathering, also warned that the United Nations could impose sanctions on Lebanon if it continues to reject an international committee to investigate former Premier Rafik Hariri's murder. Speaking during a news conference he called for at his office in Beirut, Harb said: "We are willing to participate in a national unity government and even name opposition members for ministerial posts if Prime Minister-designate Omar Karami is replaced." But Harb added that the opposition would maintain its policy of not participating in the parliamentary consultations required to name a candidate for the premiership. He said it was the responsibility of President Emile Lahoud to choose an "honest" prime minister capable of adopting the opposition's demands and securing fair parliamentary elections.

Commenting on the ongoing investigation in Hariri's murder, Harb said: "If the UN decides to hire an international committee to investigate Hariri's assassination then it will leave Lebanon with two choices: accepting the decision or facing economic and diplomatic sanctions." Harb added: "I advise the Lebanese government to accept an international investigation under Article 6 of the UN Charter which stipulates that disputes be solved peacefully, avoiding enforceable measures against Lebanon." Harb, a lawyer, corrected Karami that an international committee must not include "Lebanese judges." Karami had agreed that the government allow an international committee to investigate Hariri's assassination as demanded by the opposition, but that it be presided over by a "Lebanese judge." Harb said: "According to the UN Charter, the investigating team should not include non-UN members who can affect the course of investigation."
Posted by:Fred

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