Charbel: Political Decision Taken to End Phenomenon of Blocking Roads

Interior Minister Marwan Charbel stated that some “saboteurs” are exploiting the poor humanitarian situation in Lebanon in order to create unrest in the country, reported the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat on Thursday.

He told the daily: “A political decision has been taken by the highest authorities to end the phenomenon of blocking roads because Lebanon is passing through extraordinary circumstances.”

“Blocking roads will not bring back electricity or the pilgrims kidnapped in Syria,” he declared.

“We feel for the families of the captives,” he added.

The minister noted however that the blocking of roads with burning tires not only negatively impacts one’s health, but it also harms the country’s environment, economy, and tourist sector.

“The security forces can reopen the road in five minutes, but we are wary of the reaction such actions may provoke,” said Charbel.

An agreement must be reached among all political powers to grant the security authorities the necessary cover to allow them to perform their duties “to put an end to such practices once and for all,” he continued.

Lebanon has recently witnessed widespread protests over frequent power cuts.

Citizens have resorted to blocking roads with burning tires and various other barriers in order to vent their frustrations.

The airport road has been a frequent target of these protests.

The families of the 11 kidnapped pilgrims also blocked the road on Monday in protest against the government’s failure to release their loved ones.

The closure resulted in congested traffic and forced travelers to head on foot to the airport to catch their flights.