Charbel to Urge Government Action on ‘Security Chaos’

Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said Wednesday he will make several proposals during a cabinet session to resolve the security situation that is spiralling out of control.

In remarks to Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5), Charbel said: “I will propose to the government several plans to resolve the security chaos and let each minister assume his responsibilities.”

His remarks came after An Nahar newspaper reported that Charbel will suggest the formation of a ministerial committee that would seek to find ways to prevent further road closures.

A minister source expressed concern at the rise in the chaos on the streets if the government failed to agree on a plan that garners the support of all political parties.

But the source ruled out consensus.

On Tuesday, supporters of Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun cut off the highway near the national museum in Beirut to express support for the army and demand the release of officers detained in the killing of two Sunni sheikhs in the northern district of Akkar in May.

Protestors and supporters of the army later blocked the Nahr el-Mot highway for several hours trapping President Michel Suleiman in the traffic.

Different areas of Lebanon have witnessed road closures in the past months. But a security source told An Nahar that the army is incapable of interfering because the move requires a clear political decision to end all sit-ins and protestors.

Also Tuesday, the army leadership called on its supporters to avoid blocking roads in solidarity with the military.

The communique urged the army sympathizers to take down banners of support and stop road closures which it said harm the interest of citizens and their daily lives.