Interview with the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Issam Fares by the CNBC Television Station (8/3/2005).

Interviewer: We have on the phone with us Mr. Issam Fares, the former Deputy Prime Minister. What is your comment on the demonstration that took place yesterday in Martyrs’ Square and the one that took place today in Solh’s square? Does this reflect the division of the Lebanese?

Mr. Issam Fares: No, the reality of the matter is that everyone is expressing his opinion vis-à-vis the events. Yesterday, I was in Syria as member of the Higher Syrian-Lebanese Council and we discussed how to implement the Taif Agreements, namely, the clause pertaining to the withdrawal of the Syrian forces and the UN Resolution 1559. We concentrated on the clause of 1559 that pertains to the withdrawal of the Syrian forces from Lebanese territories. As to the other clauses of 1559 revolving around the south of Lebanon and the resistance movement there; the problem of the Palestinian camps and their armament, and the dispatching of the Lebanese army to the south of Lebanon; all of these clauses concern solely the Lebanese government.
Furthermore, it was decided that both the Syrian and Lebanese governments respect the international resolutions and their application. But the public opinion in Lebanon is showing resentment against the UN Resolution 1559 through demonstrations. They are saying spontaneously, that they do not want any foreign interference, and what is uplifting is that they all held high the Lebanese flag which means that the death of the former Prime Minister, Mr. Rafik Hariri has united the Lebanese behind the demand of uncovering the actors of the assassination who aimed at destabilizing Lebanon and the whole region.

The Interviewer: Being the Deputy Prime Minister in the former government how do you assess the publicity of the demonstrations in the media? Is the publicity exaggerating the events?

Mr. Issam Fares: You are right, Lebanon is passing through a crisis, and the demonstrations led to the fall of the government. But the state cannot, and should not be allowed to fall, nor the state institutions. If anyone wants the fall of the state and its institutions, let them join the government. The President of the Republic is going to ask the opinion of the deputies on who do they suggest as Prime Minister. I hope that all deputies and representatives of the people will be positive and will join in establishing a new government. Let the solutions emanate from the constitutional authorities. How far can the demonstrations go? Unfortunately, demonstrating for three consecutive weeks has led to the paralysis of the economic activity in the country, as well as the political and social activities. I agree with the opinion of the head of Hizbollah, Mr. Hassan Nasrallah stating that all parties should participate in the formation of a “national unity” government. Lebanon belongs to all and not merely to one party or faction.

The Interviewer: Following three weeks of demonstrations, life is almost stalled in Lebanon, and banks are short on liquidity. What is the solution in your opinion?

Mr. Issam Fares: In fact, the financial aspect is well guarded. We do not have a problem in this domain. It is the economic activity that has been hit. Of course, if the paralysis continues it will affect the finances of the country, but the Central Bank has taken measures to forestall any problems in the financial aspects. Although many converted their accounts from the Lebanese pound to the dollar, yet this did not affect the country thanks to the measures taken by the Central Bank. Due to the repeated demonstrations, the economic sector has suffered and we hope that all of this will stop tomorrow as we are naming a Prime Minister to form a new government.

The Interviewer: Mr. Hasan Nasrallah, head of Hizbollah stated that the country is in need of a ‘national unity government’ not a neutral government. Is there a follow up to this suggestion?

Mr. Issam Fares: I agree with Mr. Nasrallah, there is nothing that can be called neutral. Either we get a ‘national unity government’ where all factions participate or the government will be made up of those who are willing to participate. This means that, in the latter case, we might get the same type of government that we had previously with slight changes.

The Interviewer: Is this a possibility?

Mr. Issam Fares: We all hope that everyone will participate. Lebanon is passing through a crisis and it is up to all factions to shoulder the responsibility. Nonetheless, if the opposition refuses to participate, the government will be formed anyway.