Mashnouq Extends Basbous' Term for Two Years

Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq postponed on Thursday the retirement of Internal Security Forces chief Ibrahim Basbous, effectively extending his term in office, an issue that has been stirring debate at cabinet for months.

Mashnouq signed a decree that would keep the ISF chief in his post for two more years.

A cabinet session was held earlier in the day, but media reports said that the controversial security appointments issue was not discussed.

Basbous' term was supposed to end on Thursday.

Head of the Free Patriotic Movement MP Michel Aoun has been staunchly opposed to the extension of Basbous' term.

The military posts in Lebanon are suffering as the result of the months-long presidential vacuum in light of the parliament's failure to elect a successor for Michel Suleiman whose tenure ended in May last year.

Aoun had previously bluntly rejected any attempts to extend the terms of high-ranking security and military officials, threatening to resign from cabinet.

Media reports had said that the MP's main objective is to receive political consensus on the appointment of Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz as army chief as part of a package for the appointment of other top security officers.

Aoun however denied that he had made such a proposal.

Earlier, Basbous had urged politicians not to involve the institution in their disputes and to appoint new ISF personnel based on their efficiency.

He called on politicians not to submerge the ISF with their sectarian or political disputes.

“The selection of officers should be according to objective principles and based on efficiency and integrity,” he said in a speech addressing a seminar entitled “The Concept of National Security and its Foundations in Lebanon.”

He pointed out that he has been able to “dissociate ISF from politics since his appointment,” stressing that the institution isn't affiliated to any political party.

“We have been also keen to cooperate and coordinate on all levels with security agencies, in particular the army,” Basbous remarked.

The ISF chief also expressed grave concern over the developments in the region, warning that it will have repercussions on Lebanon.

“Reality demands all officials to wisely assume their responsibilities to overcome the stage with minimum damage.”

H.K./M.T.