24 September 2005
BEIRUT: Members of the follow-up committee of the National Unity Panel (NUP), or "Third Force," announced Friday that their committee's program will target political, economic, and social reforms, with a special focus on the eradication of sectarianism from Lebanese politics.
"Sectarianism is just a modern word for tribalism and so in Lebanon we rarely behave as people but rather behave like tribes," said Former Premier Salim al-Hoss during the unveiling ceremony of the "Third Force" committee's program. He explained that the committee is made up of various politicians and intellectuals who hope to provide a third political option, unaffected by the polarization of the loyalist and opposition political movements.
"Our first project will involve changing the election law so that it represents everyone equally; this is the only way Lebanon will become a true democracy," said Hoss, who has always been vocal about the issue of sectarianism.
Hoss reminded the attendees that the committee was not a political alliance but rather a grouping of different political and ideological backgrounds that have come together for national unity.
"In unity there is power and I call for not just Lebanon's national unity, but unity amongst all Arabs, taking the EU as our example," said Hoss.
The former premier added that for Arab unity to succeed, Lebanon's path will have to "pass through Damascus."
Hoss also commented on the committee's stance concerning the controversial issue of Resolution 1559 and its calls for the disarmament of Hizbullah and Palestinian militia groups in the country's refugee camps.
"We support the full implementation of all security council resolutions, including 1559, without any delays or problems but it is conditional on Israel also following its resolutions and withdrawing fully from all Arab lands, including the Shebaa Farms," said Hoss, who also called on the U.S. and France not to make exceptions over the implementation of some resolutions and not others "for personal interests."
Hoss concluded his speech by highlighting some of the committee's main objectives such as plans to work toward eradicating sectarianism and corruption from the political arena, reduce the national debt, push for economic stability, encourage the national market, and provide equal opportunities for women, and finally to working on strengthening Lebanon's relations with Syria and all Arab countries, freeing Palestine and Iraq and "ultimately reaching Arab unity."
As well as Hoss, the committee also includes 45 former ministers, MPs and other political figures, including among others: Tammam Salam, Najah Wakim, As-Safir publisher Talal Salman, George Qorm, Issam Naaman, Sidon MP Osama Saad, Sidon Mayor Abed Rahman Bizri and aspiring Southern politician Riad Asaad.
