Lebanese President Michel Aoun reiterated on Friday that political parties that have been in power for the past 30 years were responsible for the country’s economic crisis.
“What is happening today is the outcome of certain policies adopted for almost 30 years,” he said.
During a meeting with the Lebanese Rescue Committee, which proposed to him a plan to resolve the current financial and economic crisis, Aoun said, “Despite my presence outside Lebanon most of that time, I am held today responsible for the crisis.”
Aoun was referring to his exile in France.
“Accusations should be directed at those responsible for the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon,” he said.
The President said he was against the slogan “All means all” raised by protesters during anti-government demonstrations that erupted last October.
He said people should look at all the positive things that were accomplished in the past three years and not only focus on the negative issues.
Aoun was elected President three years ago.
Lebanon has been gripped by huge anti-government rallies that began last October after the government proposed a charge on Internet calls and a hike in value-added tax.
Protesters raised the slogan “All means all” during their rallies and marches, calling on all political parties to go.
Aoun said Friday that he had always called for dialogue with demonstrators to consensus.
“Unfortunately, nobody heeded my invitation. Instead, people decided to go to the streets, causing chaos that worsened the economic crisis,” he said.
