Baroud: Everyone Has Right to Ask for Interior Portfolio, But Not at Expense of Those Who Worked Hard

Caretaker Interior Minister Ziad Baroud on Tuesday noted that the "obstacle hindering the cabinet formation process is not over the interior ministry portfolio," adding that "everyone has the right to demand the interior ministry portfolio," but not at the expense of people who have worked hard in the ministry's service.

Speaking to reporters after an urgent meeting for the country's Central Security Council, Baroud stressed that his ministry's employees should not be attacked. "We have a team that has worked hard in the interior ministry and it should not be treated in this manner," said Baroud.

As the minister stressed that he was not holding onto his position, he wondered "why only now they have started talking about the interior minister's mistake while they had remained mum over the past years."

"I cannot return to the interior ministry under the same conditions," Baroud announced.

Addressing the issue of illegal construction in the country, the minister noted that "any violation of public property cannot be tackled as pertaining to a certain community or area, as it concerns all regions."