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BEIRUT:
Lebanon is one of the most politically and
socially corrupt countries in the world, whose
corrupt leaders take refuge in their sectarian
communities, according to former Prime
Minister Salim al-Hoss. The former premier's
harsh comments came during a news conference
at the
Tawfik
Tabbara
Center in the Beirut's Sanayyeh neighborhood.
He said: "Lebanon
has become a full-fleshed sectarian country
and the corrupt-
ed leaders are seeking
protection in their own sectarian
communities."
Hoss called for the formation of a national
committee to probe the "corruption that has
invaded the country."
He added Lebanese officials are presently
holding Syrian-Lebanese intelligence services
responsible for the failures of the government
to avoid being in the limelight themselves.
Hoss further warned of foreign interference in
Lebanon's political affairs, which he blamed
for the series of explosions throughout the
country in the past months.
He said: "Unfortunately,
Lebanon is witnessing a period of
internationalization which is expressed by the
creation of several international
investigation committees."
Commenting on the results of the two rounds of
parliamentary elections already completed in
Beirut and South Lebanon, Hoss said: "I did
not expect any change, and I think that the
political class will renew its mandate through
the elections."
By Therese Sfeir
Daily Star staff
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
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