Salam Meets Berri: Competition among Politicians Jeopardizing Lives of Soldiers taken from Arsal
Prime Minister Tammam Salam criticized on Wednesday the tense political rhetoric between various political powers, saying that “they do not help Lebanon in confronting the security danger.”
He said after meeting Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain el-Tineh: “Competition among politicians is putting at risk the lives of the soldiers and policemen taken captive in Arsal.”
“This case should be handled with great care and the tense statements do not help our cause at all,” he stressed before reporters.
“Such statements do not become the nation or the citizens,” said the premier.
Moreover, he remarked that Lebanon is paying the price for the vacuum in the presidency.
“The political powers' greatest crisis lies in electing a new president,” he noted.
“We should focus on stances that unite the Lebanese and help the country confront this difficult and uncomfortable situation,” he added.
Furthermore, Salam explained that he made it clear to the hostages' families that their case could not be resolved quickly.
“We are cooperating against those who want to harm Lebanon,” he stated.
Clashes broke out on August 2 between the army and Islamists in the northeastern border town of Arsal.
The fighting ended with a ceasefire on August 7 and the withdrawal of the militants, who kidnapped with them a number of soldiers and policemen.
Efforts are underway to ensure their release.
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