Move forced by Syria, emphasizing ‘unity in governing’

Zeina Abu Rizk
Special to The Daily Star

The last-minute decision to hold an extraordinary Cabinet session Wednesday to discuss the draft 2004 budget was the way out of a new crisis between President Emile Lahoud and Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
This decision was forced again by Damascus as it emphasized the need for “unity in governing” and hoped that an agreement over the financial plan would yield a truce between the two leaders that would hold for a while.
Syrian officials were reportedly annoyed with top-leader bickering, holding everyone responsible for the deterioration of the political situation in the country. However, rumors indicate that Damascus has been particularly displeased with Hariri’s attitude.
Prior to agreeing to hold a Cabinet session on Wednesday, the prime minister had insisted on postponing the session, which provoked an unprecedented fury against him in Syrian circles.
Politicians close to Damascus said the prime minister was “disrupting the proper functioning of the state” and will have to bear the consequences of his act, which include a possible change in government. They added that nothing stands in the way of establishing a quasi-emergency government made up of national figures who would prove their loyalty to the state.
The firmness of tone against the prime minister was softened Tuesday evening after Hariri finally agreed to proceed with the budget examination on Wednesday. And politicians in contact with Syrian circles asserted there was no change in the internal situation for the time being, thus indirectly denying the possibility of government reshuffling. The sources added that only in the case of a political deadlock would changes be considered and insisted on the need for senior leaders to harmoniously coexist.
The sources also said Damascus had nothing personal against Hariri and that it does not consider his stand to be utterly negative. Syrian officials view his position as based on the political and economic role he sees himself playing.
Damascus’ main concern is to maintain unity within the political system. On that basis, Syrian officials recommend national interests be placed ahead of anything else. For this reason, there should be no obstacles to the budget’s endorsement, in light of the precarious economic situation and the delicate regional circumstances.
During the past week’s draft budget dispute, Lahoud insisted in his discussion with Syrian officials that he has no personal interests whatsoever and that his sole concern was the welfare of the people.
For his part, Hariri affirmed his main concern was the draft budget, especially since he holds himself responsible for the financial sector in the country.
The bickering over the 2004 draft budget between Baabda and Koraytem highlighted Syrian favor for Lahoud over Hariri. Sources close to Damascus said it generally feels Lahoud represents the people’s interests. However, and despite a reported readiness to undertake government change, there seems to be no serious intention in Syrian spheres to execute such a plan. This idea is being used as a means to pressure Hariri, and it would be difficult to execute such a plan under prevailing regional circumstances considering Hariri’s solid international relations.
What is certain is that the ongoing tug of war between the president and the prime minister will constantly require the direct involvement of Damascus.