Dubai: Lebanon is more stable than before, said Finance Minister Jihad Azour, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News, in which he discussed his country's current situation.
In February 2005, Leb-anon's former prime minister Rafik Hariri was killed in a massive blast, sparking fears of instability. In the same year, Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon amid public anti-Damascus anger.
Led by the assassinated premier's son Saad Hariri and Christian opposition figures, Syria's opponents won a resounding victory in parliamentary elections. Also, the current government in Lebanon, for the first time, includes a Hizbollah member.
GULF NEWS: Is the Lebanese government stable now?
Jihad Azour: This government is backed by the majority in parliament. In Lebanon, it is the democracy by consensus. You have to be inclusive and take into consideration that people have different views. When it comes to the major issues, the government is united.
The country is going through a transition and this transition has certain ups and downs. Overall what we see is a country of greater stability because of its ability to overcome major political shocks.
Freedom and democracy have been reaffirmed in Lebanon.
Do you think the Lebanese government has a unified agenda?
There is a main agenda. This agenda is based on reaffirming the sovereignty of the government over all the territory. The agenda covers respect for long-standing traditions of Lebanon in terms of freedom and democracy. It aims to strengthen economic stability and promote growth and social stability.
Of course, various political parties have their own agendas because there are various issues at stake. I think what is important to witness in Lebanon is that political differences are discussed openly around a discussion table. This is also an example of a small country able to have leaders who despite their difference can sit around the same table in order to solve major issues.
Hariri's murder continues to be an issue. How do you look at Lebanon's relations with Syria?
The assassination of prime minister Hariri was a major and dramatic event. He was not a common prime minister; he had regional and international influence. His assassination created a big shock. He sacrificed himself for the country. What we witnessed after that was restoration of democracy and increase in freedom. His assassination affected not only Lebanon but the whole region.
