Sheikh Fathi Yakan, leader of the Islamic Work Front slammed Aoun's suggestions of revising the duties of the prime minister.

"It is not wise or in anybody's interests to propose anything considered a coup against the Taif Agreement," Yakan said, adding, "This agreement needs to be revised, but not now, considering the current situation."

"I hope that our opposition ally, General Michel Aoun, understands our position and suggests things according to priorities and in consultation with all opposition factions," Yakan said.

Yesterday Lebanon's Former Prime minister Omar Karami a key member of the Hezbollah-led opposition also criticized Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun and accused him of seeking to change the Prime Minister's position into "an office clerk."

Karami said Aoun's suggestion is aimed at "stripping the prime minister of all the powers gained by the Taif accord." He added "This is totally unacceptable."

Similarly , Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who is closely associated with the opposition, expressed his "shock and great surprise" at Aoun's statements on the powers of the prime minister.

"I was surprised over General Aoun's demands for an amendment of the powers of the prime minister and his request that the government amend these powers, which prompts me to wonder about the real reasons that drive him to raise the subject," Mikati said in a statement on Monday.

Former Prime Minister Salim Hoss also attacked Aoun, saying his proposal went against "the spirit of unity and consensus."

"We are surprised that such matters are brought up at a time of massive difficulties," Hoss said in a statement.

Democratic gathering leader MP Walid Jumblatt accused Aoun of seeking to eliminate Lebanon's constitutional institutions.

He said Aoun was also seeking to torpedo the Doha Accord "like he had tried to torpedo the Taif accord. He is trying to eliminate moderation, the presidential office and ... all positive chances to form a cabinet," Jumblatt added.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea also cautioned that calls by Aoun to amend the prime minister's powers would lead to further calls by other factions to amend the parliament speaker's powers and this would be tantamount to a revision of the whole constitution.

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