Kabbara Hits Back after Suleiman Decides to Sue Him over Tripoli Remarks

President Michel Suleiman on Wednesday decided to file a lawsuit against MP Mohammed Kabbara over the lawmaker's accusations concerning the situation in Tripoli, state-run National News Agency reported, confirming an earlier Naharnet report.

Suleiman “asked the Public Prosecution to file a lawsuit against MP Mohammed Abdul Latif Kabbara for accusing the president of collusion” against Tripoli, NNA said.

Informed sources had told Naharnet that “Suleiman is mulling with his legal advisers the possibility of filing a lawsuit against MP Mohammed Kabbara on charges of insulting the Presidency and the Army Command.”

Kabbara snapped back at the president later on Wednesday, saying he “should have asked the Public Prosecution to act after thousands of Hizbullah fighters crossed the border under the eyes of his official security agencies to take part in the Syrian war, instead of urging (Hizbullah chief) Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to withdraw from Qusayr.”

“Unless there is cowardliness to face this reality or collusion to which the Lebanese are supposed to turn a blind eye,” Kabbara added.

On Tuesday, al-Mustaqbal bloc MP Kabbara, who hails from Tripoli, voiced “regret” that Suleiman, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati, Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji and the military institution “seem to be colluded with the Syrian regime.”

He was reciting a statement issued by the National Islamic Gathering following a meeting that was held at his residence to discuss the clashes between the rival Tripoli neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh.

Kabbara called on Suleiman, Miqati, Qahwaji and the army to “shoulder their responsibilities” and prove that they are “seriously entrusted with the country's unity and the safety of its people.”

Seven people were killed and more than 40 wounded in clashes that erupted Sunday in Tripoli. Sniper activity is still ongoing in the conflict zone despite a heavy deployment by the army.