The Lebanon ambassador to Canada says political division has split his country almost into two halves.
"Unfortunately, for different kinds of interest inside our country, it seems that the politics have overcome and overtaken the interests of the population," said Massoud Maalouf, who is joining the Lebanese community in P.E.I. this evening to celebrate their new year.
"The division is maybe also on the future of the country, on what kind of Lebanon do we want."
Maalouf plans to share his views in a public presentation today from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Delta Hotel in Charlottetownbb.
In an interview with The Guardian Friday, he voiced concern over political disharmony in his country.
A caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Fouad Siniroa, took over on Nov. 24 after President Emile Lahoud's term expired.
"Since then, the Parliament has not been able to convene," said Maalouf.
"Each one of the two sides tries to impose their will on the other side to get some political gain from the other side."
Maalouf, though, is certain a new president will be elected soon.
Syria has joined other Arab nations in endorsing the head of Lebanon's army as that country's next president, putting pressure on the Lebanese opposition to drop demands that have blocked a compromise over the post.
During a recent meeting in Cairo, Arab foreign ministers agreed unanimously to back Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman for president and called on Lebanon's rival parties to resolve their political differences.
Maalouf is hopeful despite the country's history of turmoil, including 2006's war between Israel and Lebanon that saw 1,150 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and 150 Israelis, mostly soldiers, die in 34 days of fighting.
Maalouf said Lebanon's economy is strong and financial indicators are good.
"We have been around for quite a long period of time - thousands of years. And we'll stay around for another few thousand years."
He suggests for those looking to stay informed on events in Lebanon to visit the embassy website at Lebanonembassy.ca and link to a host of news sources from that country in English, French and Arabic.
"I agree with everybody who says that the situation is really confusing," he said.
Maalouf's trip to P.E.I. marks his first visit to the province and will see him later tonight become the second Lebanese ambassador to join the Lebanese community
on the Island to celebrate the new year.
On Friday, he made the rounds to visit dignitaries, members of the Lebanese community and a few selected sites, including Province House.
"I feel very, very proud that everyone that I have met speaks very highly of the Lebanese community - of the contribution of the Lebanese community and the society," he said.
"It is a plus for relations between Canada and Lebanon to have a
premier in P.E.I. who is of Lebanese origin," he added. "We are proud of him and we wish him the best."
