Miqati, Qahwaji Vow to Prevent Appearance of Gunmen on Sidon Streets
Prime Minister Najib Miqati and Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji said the security of the southern city of Sidon was a top priority after three people were killed in clashes between Hizbullah and supporters of Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir.
“Our responsibility lies in keeping the security of residents in all Lebanese regions and mainly in the city of Sidon,” Miqati told As Safir newspaper in remarks published Tuesday.
“There is a stern decision to control the situation and prevent the appearance of arms in Sidon to avoid tension,” he said. “We will work on the implementation of this decision immediately.
“Our permanent priority is stability … that's why there is no fear from strife,” Miqati added.
In similar remarks published in An Nahar, he said the appearance of gunmen during the funeral of two of al-Asir's bodyguards in Sidon on Monday “was exceptional and we will not witness it later.”
Armed supporters of al-Asir laid the two men to rest at al-Karama roundabout, the site of the month-long sit-in the cleric had held earlier this year.
Another Egyptian youth was killed after being caught in Sunday's crossfire when a quarrel on Hizbullah posters turned into an armed clash.
Qahwaji inspected on Tuesday the army units deployed in Sidon, after which he called on the heads of the military agencies to act "firmly against all who meddle with Sidon and the South's stability."
The army “will quash without hesitation any attempt by any team whether local or foreign to turn Sidon into a burning war zone,” he warned.
Qahwaji told As Safir that the military institution was putting the situation of Sidon at the top of the priority list.
“The army is carrying out its role and responsibilities to impose calm not just in Sidon but in all Lebanese regions,” he said. “That's why it … will confront strife no matter how much sacrifices it requires.”
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