 Lebanon's influential Maronite Patriarch advised President Emile Lahoud to restore the presidential position to its former significance saying that "history will record the stand that you, the president, will take for the sake of the nation."
| I'd guess Emile's probably toast. The only question is whether he steps down or he's chased out... |
During Christmas Mass at Bkirki Sunday, attended by the president in the front row, the prelate indirectly suggested that Lahoud should reconsider whether remaining in office would serve the interest of the country and the reverence of the presidential post. For the first time, Sfeir - who unofficially has the last word on who becomes the next president - publicly implied that he backed Lahoud's early departure from office. "It is your responsibility, your Excellency, as the head of state, to lead Lebanon and the Lebanese to safety and preserve the Constitution and national unity. If the president is not up to the task, then it is up to him to judge whether remaining in his post or resigning would honor this position or dishonor it." He implored Lahoud "to avoid self interest and take a decision that is in the interest of the nation."
| It's pretty clear what Sfeir regards as the right decision... |
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