INSTANT VIEW: Hezbollah camp loses Lebanon election

BEIRUT (Reuters) - An anti-Syrian coalition, known as "March 14," defeated the "March 8" alliance composed of Hezbollah and its allies in Lebanon's parliamentary election on Sunday, politicians on both sides said.

Following is reaction from Lebanese politicians:

SAAD AL-HARIRI, LEADER OF ANTI-SYRIAN COALITION

Congratulations to Lebanon, congratulations to democracy, congratulations to freedom. The Lebanese have proved today their commitment to freedom and democracy. There are no winners and losers in this election, the only winner is democracy and the biggest winner is Lebanon.

LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER FOUAD SINIORA, MARCH 14

On his Sidon victory: "I dedicate this victory, God willing, to Lebanon and the Lebanese and the soul of the martyr Rafik al-Hariri."

I was leaning toward thinking that there is a majority that will be preserved and may achieve more gains. I believe that we have made steps forward and the most important thing to consider is ... to act humbly and this is what should judge the future performance, embrace all of the nation's people to take our country to the future.

HEZBOLLAH MP, HASSAN FADLALLAH, MARCH 8

We consider that Lebanon is ruled by partnership and whatever the results of the elections are, we cannot change the standing delicate balances or repeat the experiences of the past which led to catastrophes on Lebanon and showed the inability of one party monopolizing power. Whoever wants political stability, the preservation of national unity and the resurrection of Lebanon will find no choice but to accept the principle of consensus.

LEBANESE DRUZE LEADER, WALID JUMBLATT, MARCH 14

We should not forget that the elections should be a boost to the dialogue and we should not try to isolate the other parties.

INFORMATION MINISTER TAREQ MITRI, MARCH 14

For March 14, an electoral victory no matter how small the majority or large, means that the basic fundamental principles that have created this movement are still valued by the Lebanese and that this is a vote in favor of Lebanon's independence and that people don't want to see Lebanon continue being a battleground for wars and tensions in the region and the world.

It shows that there was a democratic process, the democratic system in spite of all difficulties we have seen in last few years, the democratic system of Lebanon, is viable and that a large number of Lebanese are committed to democracy.

(Compiled by Yara Bayoumy)