BEIRUT, Lebanon: The Higher Shiia Council of Lebanon headed by Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan, has rejected any suggestion that national policy and decision-making be based on "the principles of majority and minority."

The council, in its regular weekly meeting that focused on recent developments in the local arena, said such practice would lead to a "dangerous national crisis."

"The Council reminds the Lebanese of the need to adhere to the national accord and rejects the adoption of the principles of majority and minority when dealing with major national issues," it said.

It stressed that "political positions adopted by the Lebanese parties should not have a sectarian dimension." In addition, the Council rejected "the monopolized decisions that put Lebanon at the will of the international game."

It further reiterated its demand that investigations into the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri be "based on tangible evidence and not random accusations," and urged the judicial and national security apparatus to consider Israel as a possible suspect.