Security Forces Boost Measures near Egypt's Embassy over ISIL Threats
Security measures have been boosted near the Egyptian embassy in Beirut's Bir Hassan area after receiving threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq confirmed in comments published in al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Thursday the threats.
“The Egyptian embassy informed the ministry in an official letter that it received threats from ISIL,” Mashnouq pointed out, saying: “The concerned security apparatuses took precautionary measures near the mission's building.”
On Wednesday, Egyptian Interior Minister Magdi Abdel Ghaffer warned in a speech that his nation is facing an “existential war” in its battle against “terrorist groups.”
Speaking to a meeting of Arab interior ministers in Algeria, Ghaffar stressed that the danger posed by ISIL has escalated after local-area terror groups pledged allegiance to the organization.
The Sinai-based Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis and similar local groups in Libya are now linked to ISIL, with Ansar having since changed name to “Sinai Province.”
Egypt proposed creating a joint Arab force to preserve Arab national security.
For his part, Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammed Badreddine Zayed urged in an interview with An Nahar newspaper on Thursday regional and international countries to cease their negative intervention in Lebanon's affairs, which is impeding its political life.
He called on the political arch-foes to immediately elect a new head of state to safeguard the country.
Asked if his country will engage in a dialogue with Hizbullah, Zayed said that Egypt is open to any positive stance by the Lebanese rivals.
“Egypt welcomed the dialogue between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal Movement... the foreign ministry issued a statement that supports (Speaker Nabih) Berri's efforts to defuse tension,” he remarked.
He stressed that “the success of dialogue would end the presidential vacuum.”
Hizbullah kickstarted in December dialogue with al-Mustaqbal Movement under the auspices of Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.
President Michel Suleiman's term ended in May without the election of a successor. Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps have thwarted the polls.
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