After parliament granting the cabinet confidence by exactly 100 votes on Tuesday, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora told reporters at the Grand Serail that he had been expecting an even higher margin.

After four days of debate, only five members of parliament voted against the government, with two MPs abstaining.

But Siniora said that more than 20 MPs are currently abroad, such as MP Michel Pharaoun, who had visited him ahead of his travel and informed him of his support for the government.

In reference to MP Bahij Tabbara, who had been one of the five MPs to deny the vote of confidence, Siniora would say no more than that he still considers Tabbara “a friend.”

Siniora said that his government now represents all of Lebanon and that as such, it must seek solutions to all problems.

“We are similar to a person driving a car; we must keep our eyes on the road. If we keep looking back we will crash,” Siniora told reporters.

“And while we must still glance at the rear-view mirror occasionally, the essential thing is to look ahead. The country needs real leadership to navigate the difficult circumstances we face.”

Siniora also said he is in constant touch with President Michel Sleiman regarding his visit to Syria on Wednesday.

-NOW Staff