By Aaron Klein

Syrian-backed Lebanese forces are attempting to cause a deterioration in the security situation in Lebanon by backing four bomb blasts in the past two weeks, including an attack that injured seven this weekend, in hopes of stalling a planned troop withdrawal from the country, former Prime Minister Michel Aoun told WorldNetDaily last night in an exclusive interview.

"Syria is backing some trouble right now in the country trying to cause bad consequences and stalling the [troop withdrawal] process, but it's not going to work," said Aoun, speaking to WND from Paris. "These are desperate attempts to try to have a reason to keep dominating Lebanon."

Aoun spoke after a bomb blast Friday injured seven and moderately damaged a shopping center in Broummana, a Christian resort town 10 miles northeast of Beirut. Police said the bomb, estimated at 44 pounds, was placed in an underground parking lot at the center. It was the fourth such blast in two weeks.

Another bombing at a shopping mall near Broummana last week killed three people, and there were several reports of armed attacks against Christians in nearby villages.

Two major car bombings near Beirut have been reportedly averted the past few days, with bomb threats being called in to hotels, malls and public buildings.

Senior Lebanese opposition sources told WND last week Syrian backed intelligence forces have been shooting civilians in Christian towns in hopes of sparking violence.

"It is their goal to create panic and maybe the people might ask Syria to step in and control the situation. But the people are tired of Syrian occupation and just want to live in freedom," said Aoun.

Aoun also accused Syria of trying to dominate Lebanese politics by stalling national elections scheduled for May.

Pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami, who resigned last month and was reinstated ten days later, said Wednesday he would once again step down after failing to form a national unity government. Hours later, Karimi took back his resignation, claiming he wanted to wait to determine his course of action until after political consultations this week.

"It's a tactic," said Aoun. "The [pro-Syrian] politicians think if they can create a stalemate they will stall Lebanese elections. They are trying to gain some delays because maybe there will be a change in the public opinion and they would win more."

The political dynamics in Lebanon are such that the parliament is almost evenly split between the pro-Syrian camp and the opposition, with Syria backed Hezbollah holding the deciding votes. Karimi's failure to resign or form a unity coalition could push off elections until June or July.

Aoun confirmed rumors the opposition is set to nominate a candidate for prime minister, a step that could help break the current political deadlock. He said Lebanese leaders are negotiating behind the scenes to select a nominee, but wouldn't divulge names of current front runners.

"No matter who is nominated, everyone has been clear they would not join any unity government unless our demands are met in full – including a full Syrian withdrawal, an international probe into Hariri's murder, and the resignation of [Lebanon's] top security chiefs," said Aoun.

Aoun, who went into political exile in 1991 after Syrian forces crushed his revolt against Damascus, said he plans to return to Lebanon next month, and told WND he may announce a political comeback April 15. The former prime minister is widely seen as a symbol of freedom from Syrian dominance, and is considered a top candidate for Lebanese president.

Meanwhile, the Syrian government promised yesterday to remove its nearly 20,000 troops and hundreds of intelligence agents from Lebanon by April 30, United Nations envoy Terje Roed-Larsen announced at a joint news conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara.

Last week, al-Shara sent a letter to the U.N. committing to a complete troop withdrawal before May elections, stating Syria already withdrew all but 10,000 troops. The letter was blasted by top Lebanese opposition officials, who said it failed to mention the removal of Syria's intelligence forces.

"Syria may try a few games," said Aoun. "But their removal from Lebanon at this point is irreversible."

Aaron Klein is WorldNetDaily's Jerusalem bureau chief, whose past interview subjects have included Yasser Arafat, Ehud Barak, Shlomo Ben Ami and leaders of the Taliban.