Al-Mashnouq Calls for 'Understanding' among Political Foes to Confront Terror
Interior Minister Nuhad al-Mashnouq said a government in which there is a minimum level of political understanding would be capable of confronting terrorism.
In remarks to local newspaper published on Monday, al-Mashnouq said: “The understanding is one of the essential tools in confronting terror by forcing political parties (to abide by) a unified plan.”
“Hizbullah in particular should vote inside the cabinet ... like the rest of the political parties on the plan and on the measures needed to be taken” by the armed forces, he said.
Lebanon has been rocked with violence linked to the Syrian war. It has been particularly on edge since Syrian President Bashar Assad's troops recently took the key rebel stronghold of Yabrud near the two countries' volatile border.
Lebanon has witnessed car and suicide bombings, rocket attacks and gunfights between pro- and anti-Assad fighters in several cities and towns.
The country has also seen a rise in the wave of kidnappings. Abductors usually ask for ransom.
The recent such incident came on Saturday when the head of the Baalbek-Deir al-Ahmar diocese escaped a kidnap attempt in the eastern Bekaa valley.
Al-Mashnouq said the “security farce” should be brought to an end.
Those tho tried to kidnap Maronite Bishop Semaan Atallah are known, he was quoted as saying.
He urged all political parties to assume their responsibilities “out of our confidence in the army and the military chief.”
On his ties with Hizbullah, al-Mashnouq, who represents al-Mustaqbal movement in the cabinet, said he was not against talks with the political party to discuss strategic issues.
“But the party hasn't so far informed me with whom I should negotiate and on what,” the minister said.
He welcomed any coordination with Hizbullah on “political security” issues.
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