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Syrian Influence Seen in Lebanese Parliamentary Vote

(New York Times) John Kifner - As the four-week Lebanese elections approach their last round on Sunday, opposition leaders and Western diplomats contend that Syrian intelligence operatives, intertwined with the Lebanese security services, are still operating and influencing the vote despite the withdrawal of Syrian troops and official denials from Damascus. "The Syrians are still controlling the army, the security services," said a former high-ranking Lebanese intelligence officer. "They issue orders by phone, by e-mail, by fax," the former officer said. "Everybody in this government is still manipulated by Syria." The Syrians are working to increase turnout for the long-exiled Gen. Michel Aoun's candidates on Sunday in the last round of parliamentary voting. Their goal is to secure the rule of Syria's handpicked Lebanese president, Emil Lahoud, which has grown more likely with Gen. Aoun's electoral victories in the last week.
2005-06-17 00:00:00
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