Mashnouq Fears Return of Assassinations, Says Situation 'Under Control'

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq expressed relief on Monday over the security situation in Lebanon despite fears that he is personally threatened with an assassination bid.

“There is a chance that the security situation in the region further escalates,” Mashnouq said in an interview with the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat, warning that Lebanon cannot endure any confrontation.

He revealed that security agencies obtained information that the assassinations era could return to the country, saying that the “number of explosive-rigged vehicles decreased.”

Media reports recently warned that several Lebanese officials will be the target of assassination plots by Islamist groups.

The minister considered the security situation “under control due to the political understandings and national unity” to combat terrorism, which is surrounding Lebanon.

“Our situation is good in comparison with the neighboring countries,” Mashnouq stressed.

He hailed the courage of Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji, downplaying threats along the country's eastern border.

“The area is under the army's control,” the minister remarked.

Concerning the presidential crisis which is impacting the performance of the cabinet, Mashnouq considered the government “essential” to preserve the post of the presidency.

He expressed pessimism over the election of a new head of state soon, citing regional and international obstacles that are forcing the election of certain figures.

“We have no vetoes on any candidate but we are keen to elect a consensual president,” Mashnouq said, revealing that the election of Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun is being forced on the Lebanese.

The Mustaqbal Movement official said that “Aoun will not be agreed upon unless all parties aprove his candidacy.”

He said that Aoun “is seeking to amend the ties with al-Mustaqbal, but that wouldn't guarantee his election.”

Mashnouq reiterated warnings of Hizbullah's role in Syria, saying: “It will cost Lebanon and the Lebanese, in particular the party's supporters a lot.”

“The results of its intervention will appear in years to come.”

He pointed out that the Iranian project in the region will not triumph.

Hizbullah has deployed thousands of fighters into neighboring Syria to back President Bashar Assad's army as he battles insurgents who have been trying to overthrow him for the past three years.

On the dialogue between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal, Mashnouq said that it is essential to safeguard the country and reduce tension.

The dialogue kicked off in December under the auspices of Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

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