General Michel Aoun has predicted the disintegration of the March 14 anti-Damascus alliance when the national dialogue resumes April 28, An Nahar reported Sunday.

In an interview with the National Broadcasting Network, NBN, Aoun, head of the 'Reform and Change Bloc' in parliament said in the next round of dialogue the dispute over the fate of President Emile Lahoud will be finalized, expecting the head of state to remain in his post until the end of his extended term in September 2007.

"The president will then have to exercise his powers and prevent trespasses by the government," he added.

Showing pride in being a presidential candidate Aoun said "March 14 leaders refuse me as a president, wanting to depose Lahoud without us having a say in the future president."

Aoun urged March 14 leaders to apologize to Lahoud for the insults that had been directed at him because the rhetoric was "shameful and must not be used to address any president."

In response to a question about Aoun informing the Patriarch that he has taken off his military uniform, the Metn MP said "it is true I said it but I am very proud of my military roots."

The Christian leader has wondered why the army leadership hasn't issued an official statement to stop the security rivalry in the country especially after the disclosure of the terrorist network which he described as a very positive step.

Aoun sharply criticized the government, especially its economic policies insisting that it had failed to meet people's expectations and also implement pledges made in its policy statement last summer.

Aoun also disclosed that he planned to coordinate opposition to the government with former Premier Omar Karami and Maronite tribal leader Suleiman Franjieh who recently unveiled plans for a new alliance.