Interior Minister Hassan Sabei declared anti-Syrian opposition candidates had won all 28 seats in north Lebanon in polling June 19. "The north has decided the character of the new Parliament and given the absolute majority to the opposition," Hariri said.

Asked whether he would seek the premiership, Hariri said he would consult with his allies. Extending a hand to his defeated opponents he promised not to close the door on anyone.

The head of the EU observers, Jose Ignacio Salafranca, said the electoral system needs "very serious reform to be closer to democratic standards." The new Parliament will face healing Lebanon's long-standing divisions, new sectarian tensions, the disarming of Hezbollah militias and heavy debt.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 25, 2005
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