Lebanon poll victory hailed

[sharmila banu.m]

 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia congratulated Lebanon yesterday for what it called the success of its elections that propelled a Riyadh-supported coalition into power. "(The Saudi cabinet) congratulated the Lebanese for the success of their legislative elections" and encouraged the winners to work for "the security, stability and prosperity of Lebanon," the official SPA news agency reported.

It also expressed appreciation for "the contending parties' support for maintaining calm, keeping Lebanon unified and accepting the will of the people."

The pro-Western coalition that captured a solid parliamentary majority in the vote on Sunday was led by Saad Hariri, son of slain ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, a longtime close ally of Riyadh.

The wealthy Hariri family has large business interests in Saudi Arabia.

In Cairo, official Mena news agency reported that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak called Saad Hariri and Prime Minister Fuad Siniora to congratulate them on their coalition's victory.

"President Mubarak affirmed in both phone calls Egypt's welcoming of the election results and what they reflected of the Lebanese people's desire and choice," the news agency said.

US President Barack Obama welcomed the results urging the new leaders to work to build a stable, independent nation, but warning they must govern by consent not coercion.

Hizbollah signalled it is down but not out, defiantly warning winners that its weapons arsenal is not up for discussion.



SOURCE - GULF DAILY NEWS
DATE - 09.06.09