Ghosn: My Statements Were Based on Information, Not Speculation
Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn condemned on Monday the sides that criticized his recent statements that al-Qaida members had infiltrated the Bekaa town of Arsal, accusing them of attempting to question the loyalties of the Arsal residents.
He said in a statement: “My declarations last week were not a product of speculation, but they were based on information we received, which we thought was prudent to reveal to the public.”
Last week, the minister announced that al-Qaida members had infiltrated Arsal, shortly before Syria accused the group of being behind a bomb attack that left over 40 people dead in Damascus on Friday.
The opposition slammed Ghosn’s remarks, warning of attempts to spread the unrest in Syria to Lebanon.
Ghosn defended his statements, stressing that he was trying to highlight the dangers against Lebanon’s security and stability.
“The criticism that was directed against me has been approached from a sectarian perspective, making it appear as if I was targeting a specific sect or the dignity of the town,” continued the statement.
“We know that the Lebanese, regardless of their sectarian affiliations, reject and combat terrorism,” he stressed.
“It’s impossible for terrorist to find any shelter in Lebanon,” noted the minister.
“Those questioning my statements are doing so in order to fulfill political purposes,” Ghosn added.
The minister stated that the army and security forces are performing their duties in tackling the security situation, “which should motivate the people to support the army and its role in defending Lebanon.”
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