Abou Faour Says the Cabinet’s Tenure Depends on its Members’ Performance

Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour said on Saturday that the tenure of the cabinet depends on the how its members will fulfill their duties, the National News Agency reported.

“The cabinet’s efforts should be exerted to fulfill its duties in a number of security, political, economy, and social issues that the Lebanese citizens are waiting for,” Abou Faour said.

He stressed that the government members shouldn’t try to deal a blow to each other.

“We should all be dedicated to achieve the country’s best interest,” Abou Faour noted.

He said that the “Lebanese army has all the political support to confront any terrorist group.”

However, Abou Faour stated that no one should confuse the Syrian civilians that are entering Lebanon with the terrorist groups.

He urged the officials not to accuse the residents of the Bekaa border town of Arsal of sheltering terrorists or armed groups because “the residents of Arsal are keen to preserve the national unity and stability.”

Last week, Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn said that al-Qaida members have entered the country through the Bekaa border town of Arsal “under the guise of being members of the Syrian opposition.”

He noted that reining in such incidents was “first and foremost the responsibility of the army and security forces,” but added that “at the same time it is a national responsibility that must be shouldered by all Lebanese parties.”

Concerning the developments in neighboring Syria, the minister hoped that the Arab League's “observer mission will form a new stage in Syria, where the violence and bloodshed ends.”

“The Arab initiative is the only exit for Syria and the whole region” as Lebanon is affected by the developments in Syria.