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Monday, November 26, 2007       Free Headline Alerts

Lebanon's pro-Syria president invites takeover by military in Beirut

NICOSIA — Lebanon's military, in a move coordinated with Syria, could seize power from the pro-Western government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.

Lebanese political sources said Chief of Staff Gen. Michel Suleiman was being pressed to stage a coup against the Siniora government. The sources said Suleiman has been urged by pro-Syrian elements in Beirut, including outgoing President Emile Lahoud, to declare Siniora's government illegitimate and establish an interim government.

"The president instructs the army to take charge of the security of Lebanon," Lahoud said in a statement.

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On Nov. 23, Lahoud left the presidential palace after the expiration of his term and declared a state of emergency, Middle East Newsline reported. Lahoud, regarded as an appointee of Damascus, left the presidency vacant amid another failure by parliament to vote for a successor.

The vote was postponed amid a boycott by opposition parliamentarians. The next parliamentary session was scheduled for Nov. 30.

In the statement read by an aide, Lahoud said the failure to select a successor marked a danger to Lebanese security and unity. The statement did not elaborate.

"The president hence declares that there are conditions [that could lead to] a state of emergency," the statement said.

Siniora said his government would assume the powers of the presidency. The declaration was supported by France, whose foreign minister sought to reach a compromise between the government and the Hizbullah-led opposition.

"There is no need for a state of emergency," Siniora said. "The army is carrying out its duties."

Suleiman has not disclosed his plans. But over the last 10 days, the chief of staff has stressed that he would do everything to maintain national unity.



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