Chamoun blames Hezbollah for bomb attack

Hezbollah could well be involved in the bomb attack that killed Major General Wissam Al-Hassan, said Dory Chamoun, the head of Lebanon’s National Liberal Party. Chamoun said: “Those who are keen to protect the instigators of PM Hariri’s assassination and assassination attempt on MP Boutro Harb and prevent their capture surely cannot be ruled out as suspects for this assassination.” He accused Hezbollah of funding the Syrian regime and Iran without considering the national interest of Lebanon. “These operations could not have been carried out so accurately without someone from inside Lebanon feeding them information from the moment the Major General arrived at the airport to the time the bomb exploded.” He said Hezbollah will not want Prime Minister Najib Mikati to resign. Mikati announced on Saturday that he will not resign from his post and denounced March 14 camp’s allegation holding him responsible for Al-Hassan’s killing. "I will not resign now and I will not allow this incident to create a new crisis in the country," Mikati said. The March 14 coalition held Mikati's government responsible for Hassan's assassination and urged him to step down. The March 14 youth groups camped near Mikati's house in Tripoli, demanding him to resign after clashes broke out between mourners - mostly March 14 supporters and the security forces near the premier's office after the funeral of Hassan. The sit-in started with 16 tents but the number went up to 24. Chamoun said: “No matter how much Hezbollah clings to the current government to prevent its downfall, Mikati needs to resign.” “I hope Walid Jumblatt (leader of the Progressive Socialist Party) will oppose Mikati’s unwillingness to resign,” he added.