Saad Hariri hints at leading Lebanon govt after ballot
Source ::: Reuters
BEIRUT: The son and political heir of slain former prime minister Rafiq Al Hariri said yesterday that the anti-Syrian opposition would sweep Lebanon “Our problem is that people think that our battle is over. Our battle is really just beginning: the battle for reforms,” Saad, a Sunni, said in an interview. He said challenges facing the new parliament would include reforming the security services to keep them out of politics and changing the attitude of other state authorities. Saad declined to say if he would also press for the removal of President Emile Lahoud, a close ally of Syria and a political foe of his father, after the elections. “There is the battle of changing the thinking of the services and the authority because some of their symbols are still in power,” he said. “Should the president resign or not? This should be (discussed) after the new parliament (is elected). We’ll see according to what sort of parliament we have.” Asked whether he expected to become prime minister or at least have a decisive say in who does, Saad answered with a smile: “You said it.” Lebanon’s prime ministers are traditionally Sunnis. Saad, the second son of the billionaire tycoon who had ties with many Arab and world leaders, was thrust into politics after his family chose him to inherit his father’s political legacy. He vowed to follow his father’s policies in trying to resolve Lebanon’s chronic economic and social problems.
