Berri Downplays Army Defections, Says Investments and Terrorism Don't Coexist
Speaker Nabih Berri expressed belief on Wednesday that the latest defections of Lebanese soldiers would not affect the military institution, stressing a drop in investments during war.
Sneaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Investment Forum 2014 in Geneva, Berri said that the announcement of several soldiers that they were joining the ranks of Syria-based jihadists were limited cases that did not affect the army or soldiers.
Such defections take place in armies in different countries, said Berri.
But he stressed in his remarks published in local dailies that the defections are not being embraced by politicians locally.
On Tuesday, the number of soldiers who have announced their defections since July reached four.
The troops, who have joined al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group, have claimed that their move was the result of the injustice against Sunnis in Lebanon.
Islamists in the country say that Sunnis are facing harassment by the army, which they accuse of working under the command of Hizbullah.
Jihadists from al-Nusra Front and the IS captured Lebanese soldiers and policemen when they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal in August.
Among their demands is the release of Islamists from Roumieh prison.
In his remarks to reporters, Berri described the prison as a “hotel” saying its “guests” enjoy all their needs and contact their families and groups abroad.
The inmates follow-up through their mobile phones the latest progress made by al-Nusra Front and IS in their fighting in Syria and Iraq, said Berri.
He stated that some Roumieh prisoners were leading terrorist groups from inside their cells and were being “protected” by some parties in the state.
He also agreed with Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat for blaming former Internal Security Forces commanders on the chaos at the prison.
During a speech at the World Leaders Investment Summit in Geneva on Wednesday, Berri said international support for Lebanon was not enough to help the country meet the burden of Syrian refugees.
He warned that investments suffer during times of war.
“There is no place for investment where there is terrorism,” Berri added.
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