My government is stable, I am totally relaxed: Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru, Jan 15: Dismissing any threat to the Congress-JDS dispensation in the state after two MLAs withdrew their support, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Tuesday said his government was stable and he was "totally relaxed".
Seeking to put up a brave front, Kumaraswamy said, "I know my strength. My government is stable. Don't worry."
He added, "Whatever are the episodes in our Kannada (TV) channels going on from last one week I am enjoying it."
Taking a swipe at the BJP, the chief minister said, "What is going to happen? If two independents declare support (to BJP). What will be the numbers? I am totally relaxed."
Independent legislator H Nagesh and KPJP's R Shankar have written to Governor Vajubhai Vala announcing withdrawal of their support to the seven-month-old Kumaraswamy government.
Both the Congress and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure legislators.
The BJP MLAs are presently camping in Gurgaon, amid reports that some Congress and Independent MLAs are staying at a hotel in Mumbai.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
