Qortbawi Rules Out Civil War in Lebanon
Caretaker Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi has ruled out the eruption of civil war in Lebanon despite the rising security incidents and the deepening polarization over the conflict in Syria.
“We couldn't say that everything's fine but I am not afraid of war either,” Qortbawi told An Nahar daily in remarks published on Friday.
“Things will remain under control at the security level,” the caretaker minister said despite citing a series of problems facing the Lebanese state, including the Syrian war, the rising number of Syrian refugees and the continued Israeli threat.
Violence linked to Syria's war is increasingly washing across Lebanon, threatening to unleash large-scale fighting in a deeply fragmented country.
Clashes between pro- and anti-Assad groups in different Lebanese cities have left scores of people dead in recent months.
Asked about the efforts exerted by Premier-designate Tammam Salam to put together a new cabinet, Qortbawi said the obstacles confronting him haven't changed.
He did not provide further details.
But the caretaker minister hoped that the government would be formed swiftly despite the failure to do so since outgoing Premier Najib Miqati resigned in March.
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