Despite claims by Iran that its consultations with Saudi Arabia have led to decreasing tension in Lebanon, Hezbollah continued to trade accusations with the March 14 majority alliance that backs PM Fouad Siniora's government. Mohammed Raad, leader of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, has launched a vehement attack on Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and head of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt.Raad was quoted by the daily an-Nahar as saying Geagea and Jumblatt were against the "principles set by (Ex-Premier) Rafik Hariri and Kamal Jumblatt." Hariri, father of parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri, was killed by a powerful blast that targeted his motorcade in Beirut on Feb. 14 2005. Kamal Jumblatt, father of Walid and founder of the PSP, was killed in an ambush on March 16 1977. Both crimes have been blamed on the Syrian regime, which is one of Hezbollah's main supporters.
Jumblatt did not respond , since he left for Washington Saturday to discuss the Lebanon situation with U.S. officials. However, Geagea responded quickly to Raad's rhetoric saying the Hezbollah-led opposition has launched a "counter revolution against the Cedars' Revolution in an effort to push the situation back to where it was during the past 15 years," when Syria's army and intelligence ruled Lebanon.
Geagea also escalated his counter attack, stressing that pro-government factions offer for a compromise cabinet that gives the majority 19 seats, the opposition 10 seats and allocates one seat for a neutral minister is a fair solution to all the Lebanese. "The problem is going to be a long one, Lebanon's fate will be decided during this crisis, but this does not prevent reaching provisional settlements," Geagea said.
He stressed that the "real solution (will be achieved) when Lebanon sets course. The Cedar Revolution Course is going ahead," Geagea stressed. Observers say Raad's remarks reflect an effort by Hezbollah and Iran to drive a wedge in the alliance between Hariri , Geagea and Jumblatt, an attempt that the parliamentary majority leader has been aware of and keen on foiling.
In an interview with France press, Geagea said we are ready for decisions that require courageÂ…decisions that are for the sake of LebanonÂ…decisions that call for a solution to the current crises. However any solution has to include the International tribunal . Geagea reiterated his conviction that the formula of 19 + 10 + 1 offered for a cabinet of national unity remains the best and most logical solution. Geagea called the insistence of the opposition on a cabinet formula of 19 +11 completely unreasonable expectation.