Rifi: Arrogance Deprived Christian and Alawite Representation in Tripoli
Resigned Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi said on Saturday that the outcome of the municipal elections in Tripoli carry a political message, and assured that there are good-will mediators trying to maintain contact between al-Mustaqbal Movement chief Saad Hariri and himself.
“The political message derived from the results of the municipal elections in Tripoli cannot be overlooked,” Rifi told Voice of Lebanon Radio (100.5) in a telephone call.
“There are good-will mediators between me and Hariri. We must meet on the principles of martyr ex-PM Rafik Hariri,” he added without elaborating.
Rifi won the elections in Tripoli recording a sweeping victory in the face of a list backed by Hariri, ex-PM Najib Miqati, former ministers Faisal Karami and Mohammed al-Safadi.
“We can not be sold, and have to live up to the expectations (of the public),” he said of the victory.
Rifi attributed the loss of the other party (Hariri's) in the Tripoli elections to the “arrogance of the other team which deprived the Christians and Alawite from being represented in the new municipal council in the city.”
Rifi had emphasized earlier that he approached his rivals and suggested listing the Christian and Alawite candidates on both their lists to improve their chances of winning seats, but that they refused.
He accused his rivals of attempting to bribe members of his list, he said: “They made contacts with several members and offered them sums of money which was rebuffed because people of the city of Tripoli have firm positions.”
Source: Naharnet
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