Report: Syrian Shelling of Akkar Linked to Samaha Case, Calls for Syrian Ambassador’s Expulsion
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
The recent shelling of the northern region of Akkar from the Syrian side of the border is linked to the arrest of former minister Michel Samaha and the demands to expel Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali, reported the daily An Nahar on Saturday.
Sources concerned with the situation explained to the daily: “No security incident preceded the shelling, which means that it is linked to the tense situation caused by the calls to expel Ali and the arrest of Samaha.”
The National News Agency reported on Friday that over 30 rockets launched from the Syrian side of the border landed in various Lebanese towns in Akkar.
An Internal Security Forces member was wounded and some houses were damaged in the attack.
“The latest incident will once again bring to the forefront Syria’s border violations against Lebanon, which will serve as another issue that the government has to deal with, especially in light of demands for the army to intensify its deployment at the border and confront the violations,” continued the sources.
Meanwhile, deputy Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Muqdad told al-Manar television on Friday that he does not have details on Samaha’s arrest.
“I do know that Syria saved Lebanon from a disaster,” he added.
Samaha, who is a close ally of Damascus, and Syrian security chief Ali al-Mamlouk were recently charged with forming a gang to carry out attacks in Lebanon.
Muqdad said of the charges: “Even if Samaha confesses, the claims are fabrications and intelligence schemes aimed at tarnishing Syria’s image.”
Samaha had confessed to planning the attacks and details of investigations with him were published in the Lebanese media.
On calls for the expulsion of the Syrian ambassador, Muqdad said: “Syria agreed with Lebanon on the exchange of ambassadors a long time ago and therefore such calls must stop.”
The March 14 camp had been demanding Ali’s expulsion over the charges against Samaha and Mamlouk and other issues.
01 September 2012, 09:54
109
Perhaps, I say perhaps, the time has come to return fire? This isn't a simple violation, it's a declaration of war ! ! !
01 September 2012, 09:59
108
Benzona, what do u expect from these Syrian boot lickers?... I hope the president and prime minister can have a harsher stand against these violations
01 September 2012, 16:59
03
so people support the shelling of lebanese territory?... that's what i am assuming from all the thumbs down.
01 September 2012, 11:03
106
where is the Resistance...what a bunch of traitors..it proves that they are not a resistance,they only serve there masters Iran and Syria
01 September 2012, 12:24
07
Yeah right... we believe everything the Syrian government says.
01 September 2012, 12:37
00
“Even if Samaha confesses, the claims are fabrications and intelligence schemes aimed at tarnishing Syria’s image.”
I couldn't agree more.
In fact, I would even move forward and submit the 90-minute video of Samaha (or was it a stuntman?) actually moving the explosives (or perhaps were they just plastic toys) from his own car (probably stolen) to the informant's to the Academy Awards!
He could be the next Marlon Brando.
Exactly when will those guys stop insulting our intelligence? If Syria "saved" Lebanon, it also sucked the life out of it for nearly 30 years.
Let's not forget that either.
01 September 2012, 13:46
210
That's not okay how can Syria shell Lebanon a brotherly country ? And some people even deny the fact that Syria is violating the lebanese border.
01 September 2012, 15:00
11
are you sure you are named right? i thought that amal was pro-syrian...
01 September 2012, 14:59
15
I think we are doing too much with this syrian ambassador demos. What if the ambassador leaves. Will it make lebanon a better country? this ambassador issue is useless. We have to devote our demonstrations and our energies on liberating the lebanese in syrian jails, to mark our borders with syria, to explore our oil wealth, to arrrest mokdad and the gangs. Not to spend it on an embassador who is leaving anyway in a few months once bachar falls.
01 September 2012, 16:24
03
No such thing as a resistance--they keep changing their reasons for their existence. If their true aim is to protect lebanon from foreign occupation, then they are, if anything, hypocritical in what they say and what they do.
Of course, they will insist loudly that they aren't.
01 September 2012, 18:35
02
“I do know that Syria saved Lebanon from a disaster,” he added.
Really??? we are Lebanese not 40 years brainwashed Syrians.
05 September 2012, 04:45
00
If Lebanon attacks back it will be in BIG TROUBLE do you really want Lebanon to be on fire? just because few missiles fell here and there it doesn't mean we have an open war with Syria . come on people ! Lebanon can't afford any more wars! The president is being calm not trying to make things worse . yes it's wrong that the Syrian army shelling Lebanese territory but it's just few missiles not big deal Unless they shell in large scale then the Lebanese army should respond back .
