Charbel from Tripoli: New Govt. Must Be Formed Quickly as Lebanon is in Danger

Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel on Saturday called for a speedy formation of a consensual new government, warning that the deadly unrest in the northern city of Tripoli is "very dangerous" and that entire Lebanon is in danger.

“It is the right of the citizen to ask about the measures taken by the Lebanese state concerning the situation in Tripoli, and the state does not only mean the government, but also the administrative and security institutions,” Charbel said at a press conference he held after a security meeting at Tripoli's serail.

“What prompted me to come to Tripoli is the fear of citizens, especially amid the absence of the government, but I reassure that I will carry on with my duties until the last moment,” Charbel added.

He warned that “some people want to create a problem in Lebanon.”

“What's happening in Tripoli is a very dangerous thing and it has regional connections and I hope it won't drag international involvement,” Charbel added.

He called on Speaker Nabih Berri to “convene the parliament, which represents all the parties, and to raise the voice high,” adding that the MPs must “sign a charter titled 'Security in Lebanon, especially in Tripoli.'”

The caretaker minister condemned “the provocative religious rhetoric.”

“I hope religious leaders will help us, because what's happening in Lebanon is unprecedented and did not happen during the days of civil war,” said Charbel, referring to security chaos.

“We must form a consensual government as soon as possible because Lebanon is in danger and Tripoli is bleeding,” Charbel added.

In an interview with Radio Voice of Lebanon (100.5) earlier on Saturday, Charbel said the government's resignation “has kind of led to political pacification, after its presence had aggravated the tensions.”

He stressed that the security situation in unrest-hit Tripoli is under control, reassuring that there will be no security vacuum in the country.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati on Friday announced his resignation after a cabinet session in which he failed to pass the extension of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi's term and the formation of the committee to oversee the elections, stressing that all political forces must shoulder their responsibilities to “pull Lebanon out of the unknown.”