Is it an wakening of
conscience
By: Minister Issam Abu Jamra
(Translated by: Elias
Bejjani)
In a recent daring
confession, Mr. Elias Hrawi condemned openly Dr. Salim Hoss's infringement on the
Lebanese constitution twelve years years ago. Hoss had bowed to the Syrian pressure
and illegally assumed the position of PM by the end of President Amin Gemayel's
presidential term (1988). Minister Abu Jamra reminded the Lebanese people of the horrible
atrocity that was committed by Dr. Hoss, and said, in statement issued yesterday from
exile in France: "although Mr. Hrawi's confession comes twelve years after the crime
has been committed, I believe the man deserves to be commended for his act" He added:
" Mr.Hoss assumed illegally the prime-ministerial position after the assassination of
PM Rashid Karami and infringed on the Lebanese constitution. His act led to the presence
of two governments in the country, a legitimate one headed by General Michel Aoun, and a
Syrian appointed illegal government headed by Dr. Salim Hoss himself."
Minister Abu Jamra continued to say: "We wonder if Mr. Hrawi would go on with his
belated confessions that could be attributed to a delayed awakening of conscience,
condemning his own oppressive presidential decisions. During his nine- year presidential
term, Mr. Hrawi, who was appointed by the Syrian occupier, has falsely accused General
Michel Aoun and his transitional military government with fake fabricated charges. In the
case that his conscience has truly been awakened, he should confess publicly that all
accusations of rebelliousness and other atrocities inflicted on General Aoun and members
of his cabinet were wrong. He should admit that all the other governmental decrees his
Syrian appointed regime issued, like sending the Aoun government members into exile,
confiscating their belongings and money, unlawfully dismissing them from military service,
and other judiciary cases fabricated against them, were mere atrocities. He should admit
publicly that all cases and charges against the Aoun cabinet members were based on
revenge and grudges, have no legal justification, and accordingly should be cancelled
immediately.