Tawq Supporters Protest Removal of Illegal Construction, MP Geagea Voices Support for Security Forces
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Security forces clashed on Tuesday with supporters of former MP Jebran Tawq in the northern city of Bsharre over the removal of illegal construction.
"Tawq's supporters protested the removal of a recently built amphitheater in the Cedar forest,” the state-run National News Agency reported, noting that the construction was established on the occasion of the weeding ceremony of the former MP's son.
The NNA said: “The protesters blocked the Ainta-al-Arz international road.”
"Tear gas was used in the clashes and the protesters were divided between those supporting the blocking of the road, and others calling for reopening it.”
"Local figures and Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi were called to intervene without reaching consensus and the road is still blocked," the same source remarked.
LBCI television later noted that negotiations are underway between the protesters and security forces over the removal of the amphitheater.
“Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel and former MP Jebran Tawq are discussing the possibility of reopening the Bsharre road,” LBCI added.
Tawq explained to LBCI that the amphitheater was built for a family occasion and on a private property that is "protected by the constitution."
“It does not harm the environment and we want to plant trees in it,” he said.
"All Bsharre residents want to keep the amphitheater and what is happening today is a militia-like behavior.”
He continued: “We do not want troubles but Bsharre lawmakers are held responsible for the stage we reached today.”
Later in the day, however, Tawq urged his supporters to reopen the blocked road to “legally” find a solution to the clashes with security forces, according to al-Jadeed television.
Commenting on the escalation of events, Lebanese Forces MP Sethrida Geagea stated that “the majority of Bsharre residents support the security forces.”
“We urge them to continue their mission of removing illegal constructions,” the Bsharre MP said.
"We want our city to be an example of a region that respects the state's authority and we insist that everyone abides by the law that should be applied without any exceptions.”
Geagea elaborated on Tuesday's event to Radio Free Lebanon: “The caretaker Environment Minister took a decision to remove the newly built illegal construction near the Cedar forest, but when security forces started their work, a group of supporters of ex-MP Tawq tried to prevent them.”
"We call on Tawq to take the initiative and ask his supporters to allow security forces to complete their mission,” she said.
"Let's leave these matters to the state that protects us along with the army and the security forces.”
Geagea thanked Charbel, caretaker Environment Minister Nazem al-Khouri, and caretaker Culture Minister Gaby Layyoun over their insistence to preserve
"We also appreciate the efforts exerted by acting Internal Security Forces chief Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous and the security forces.”
LF MP Elie Keyrouz assured LBCI that the removal of illegal construction “does not target anyone.”
"It is a matter of a violation near the Cedar forest, which is placed on the list of World Heritage Sites,” he pointed out.
22 October 2013, 23:06
51
Hezz are lebanese and have done more to protect lebanon than anyone else. Isreal would be building on land they dont own today, but who stopped that from occurring? What has your leader done to help prevent it?
23 October 2013, 09:16
11
rationalization for BAD or ILLEGAL behavior
typical for hizb iran supporters
Maybe start paying an electric bill too, or do you believe that if Israel invaded you wouldn't be paying those either
23 October 2013, 09:38
02
They backed up after giving them the intel that every "strong boy" from the ISF had 3 guns aimed and locked on his head. ISF and charbel knew for sure that a war will blast and they will loose for sure. Bcharre was inaccessible for Hafez's army for 30 years and before him the turks in history got fried before bcharree's gates. not to mention Deir el Ahmar and Ainata which are from bcharre and for it! those who stopped the ISF yesterday were max.5% of the population.
23 October 2013, 10:17
01
I wonder why for you and many others, the LF just needs to act to be wrong – really whatever they do. When Tawk cut two 200 years’ old trees, everyone blamed the Bcheranieh and the LF for not directly interfering. Actually since 2005, the LF never reacted to any incident except through government institutions. Now, while being blamed and alongside many environment activists, complaints were filed to the Ministry of Environment and a decision was taken to remove the illegal works of Tawk (not all private properties have building licenses, especially in the middle of our most precious landmark). Internal security forces’ task is to make sure law is enforced! And this is why they went to remove the illegal construction. Really it has nothing to do with Tawk.. I am from Becharre, I know for a fact that most of Tawk's men would not stand against a legal initiative taken by the LF, except for 10 paid thugs Pierre Daher insisted to show yesterday
23 October 2013, 11:26
03
I wonder why for you and many others, the LF just needs to act to be wrong – really whatever they do. When Tawk cut two 200 years’ old trees, everyone blamed the Bcheranieh and the LF for not directly interfering. Actually since 2005, the LF never reacted to any incident except through government institutions. Now, while being blamed and alongside many environment activists, complaints were filed to the Ministry of Environment and a decision was taken to remove the illegal works of Tawk (not all private properties have building licenses, especially in the middle of our most precious landmark). Internal security forces’ task is to make sure law is enforced! And this is why they went to remove the illegal construction. Really it has nothing to do with Tawk.. I am from Becharre, I know for a fact that most of Tawk's men would not stand against a legal initiative taken by the LF, except for 10 paid thugs Pierre Daher insisted to show yesterday
24 October 2013, 17:07
00
I think the government should start worrying about the peoples safety before the trees.... how many roads in becharre region have full safety?? how many cars in becharre have the registration paid and up to date??? How many buildings have been built with FULL authorisation??? How many people have registered weapons??? NOT MANY AT ALL... In my opinion as a Bcherani anyone that builds something for the people in his town is a good person and should not be disrespected in this manner!! atleast meet with them and come to a solution first before coming up their like a militia to demolish things that they dont even care about.. the ISF got what they deserved by going up there in that manner..
