The "Constitution and Taif Accord Gathering" has criticized Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa's comments in which he related the Syrian redeployment to the issue of political sectarianism in Lebanon. According to a report published in An NaharThursday, the gathering said Sharaa's remarks represent blatant interference in Lebanese top officials' prerogatives, which are clearly stipulated in the constitution. "No one can practice any form of tutelage on it (constitution)," the gathering said.

Earlier this week, Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa said that the fifth redeployment of Syrian troops in Lebanon "shows that Syria is serious and determined to implement the Taif Accord." He said the redeployment shows "our Lebanese brethren are now ready. We have learned that a national commission can now be formed under the president of the republic to continue political reforms including the elimination of political sectarianism" in Lebanon. "Any interference in Lebanon's domestic affairs is rejected since it violates the Lebanese government's unified entity," the gathering said.

The gathering said the latest redeployment of Syrian troops in Lebanon does not fall within the framework of the 1989 Taif Accord, which silenced the guns of the 1975-1990 civil strife. "It (redeployment) represents a tactical move which is not related to the Accord," the gathering said. The paper said the gathering included former MPs Nasri Maalouf, Mahmoud Ammar, August Bakhos, Rafik Chahine, Michel Maalouli, Anwar As-Sabah, Edmond Rizk. The paper added that former MPs Tarek Habschi and Pierre Dakkash also phone called the gathering.

Commenting on UN Security Council resolution 1559 demanding Syria withdraw its forces from Lebanon and end its interference in the country's domestic affairs, the gathering expressed hope UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's report on the implementation of 1559, would be "an active factor to rid Lebanon from further sufferings". Annan's report on resolution 1559 on Friday is expected to include a detailed explanation of the latest redeployment of Syrian troops in Lebanon last week and developments that tool place since the resolution was passed on September 3. The Security Council will decide on the next step to take in view of Annan's report.