Interview with the Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister,
Mr. Issam Fares by Radio Monte Carlo (16/2/2005).

• How did you receive the news of the assassination of the former Prime Minister, Mr. Rafik Hariri?

The loss of Mr. Rafik Hariri is a big national catastrophe. Everyone knows his sacrifices and his services to the Lebanese community before, during, and after the Taif Agreement. His loss cannot be replaced, and I have often repeated that his death aimed at destabilizing the country. Security was at its best this year, and we have taken all the necessary security steps in order to curtail any further plots.

• According to you did the assassination of Mr. Hariri aim at stopping the march of democracy or the electoral laws that were being studied, or other covert goals at the level of national unity?

As soon as we knew of the assassination, we summoned the military higher council, and the ministerial Cabinet met. We were very worried about all of the consequences that could ensue from the assassination. Lebanon was relatively stable in an unsettled area from Iraq to Palestine, to other areas, and we were afraid that this stability will not last for long. When I represented Lebanon at the United Nations, I warned of possible conspiracies that will target Lebanon. Any hasty decisions may hinder our security and stability both essential for the survival of the Lebanese. So far, we have been able to contain the situation whether at the level of security or economic or financial aspects. Let us wait and see what the coming days will bring.

• But, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister, do you think that it is possible to mend the rift that has taken place between the Opposition on one hand, and the Government on the other, especially since the Opposition has designated the Lebanese government as responsible for the assassination?

Actually, there is no problem in this. In a democratic society, people are free to express themselves, and it is healthy to see various points of view especially during an electoral campaign as is the case nowadays. We are afraid of conspiracies coming from beyond the borders of Lebanon; and we are not afraid of the internal situation. There is no serious cleavage at the national level; there is a push and pull that is very habitual in this country, but the fear is that outside forces will take advantage of these rifts in order to worsen the situation. It is normal to have a government and an opposition in a democratic country, and both have good intentions towards the country.

• Criticisms have been waged against Syria. Do you think that this campaign against the Syrian presence in Lebanon following the assassination of Mr. Hariri can peter out?

The campaign that is taking place can be placed as part of the internal push and pull between the various political factions in Lebanon. But we cannot move into an action that would destabilize the internal security of Lebanon. We have said that we respect all of the United Nations resolutions and all international decisions, but the timing of the execution of such resolutions should be our own decision in order to fit the interest of Lebanon. We cannot allow this country to move into the unknown. We can assess our capabilities for the state is conscious of its obligations towards agreements and constant cooperation it has already made. We should not name anyone as traitor whether in the government or the opposition, because what is taking place is a political tug. What is important is not to allow an outside faction to use this rift in order to instill a conflagration. We are very careful not to allow this to happen.