Lebanese Speaker Resigns in Wake of Premier’s Death

The Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament resigned unexpectedly Friday in a move that could plunge the war-torn country into its worst political crisis yet.

Hussein Husseini, a pro-Syrian Shia Muslim leader who masterminded last month’s abrogation of the Cairo agreement that allowed an armed Palestinian presence in Lebanon, is the first Speaker ever to resign.

Political sources in Beirut said Husseini resigned because he is dissatisfied with President Amin Gemayel’s investigation of Premier Rashid Karami’s assassination. Karami died in a helicopter bomb blast Monday.

“The Lebanese authority has the power to eliminate the illegal presence (of various militias). I have worked depending on this principle,” Husseini said. “Facing the fact the authority does not intend to use its power, I announce my resignation.”

The Parliament can accept or reject the resignation of the 50-year-old Speaker who was appointed Oct. 16, 1984. Gemayel has no voice in the matter.

Husseini’s resignation came five days after Karami’s assassination and presented Gemayel’s presidency with its second setback in a week.

Albert Mokhieber, deputy Speaker, told the Christian Voice of Lebanon radio that Parliament will hold an extraordinary session today to discuss Husseini’s resignation.

Based on his initial consultations with other deputies, Mokhieber said Parliament is unlikely to accept the resignation.

Abdul Latif Zein, a Parliament deputy from southern Lebanon and a close friend of Husseini, said Parliament will reject the resignation to show its solidarity with Husseini and to force Gemayel to take Karami’s assassination more seriously.

“The assassination of the prime minister, through infiltration of the army, is not a separate act from the plot that aims at dealing a blow to the legitimate national institutions, including the army,” Husseini told his news conference.

“What is the benefit for Lebanon, or for the Lebanese presidency, to let illegitimate (forces) supersede the legitimacy?” he asked.

The Progressive Socialist Party of Druze Cabinet Minister Walid Jumblatt has accused the army of assassinating Karami. It blamed Parliament for defending the army and criticized Husseini without naming him.

The Lebanese army command has denied any involvement in Monday’s incident.