Berri: Fate of the Country at Stake
Speaker Nabih Berri has warned that the “fate of the nation was at stake,” saying the Lebanese army should be equipped with an effective arsenal to confront terrorists.
In remarks to several newspapers that hit the newstands on Monday, Berri said: “The country ... does not tolerate blurred choices.”
He expressed confidence in the army and called for full support despite his concern over the clashes between soldiers and terrorists in the northeastern town of Arsal.
Berri said he was worried that terrorist networks would take advantage of the gunbattles in Arsal and stir trouble in other areas.
The early signs of his warning emerged in the northern city of Tripoli on Saturday night when cashes erupted between the army and masked gunmen.
The state-run National News Agency said that a fierce fighting broke out when gunmen opened fire at army positions on Syria Street, the Starco, Brad al-Bisar, al-Ghoraba, Talaat al-Omari, and al-Qobbeh areas.
“We exerted strong efforts to achieve stability in Tripoli but unfortunately some MPs who are eager to preserve their parliamentary seats made statements that harm Lebanon and instigate strife,” Berri told the newspapers.
The lawmakers, whom he did not name, “harmed the military institution rather than supporting it at this sensitive stage,” he said.
The speaker reiterated that around 5,000 new soldiers should be recruited and the army should be better equipped.
“It is not enough to provide it with invaluable assistance,” he said.
Berri described the Arsal clashes as “a battle in defense of the nation” and expressed satisfaction with statements made by several residents in support of the army.
G.K.
H.K.
Source: Agence France Presse
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/141737 |