Phalange: Latest Clashes a Proof of State's Weakness, its Policy of 'Consensual Security'

The Phalange party warned on Monday of the latest clashes that took place in several cities in the country, calling on the Lebanese authorities to deal with them strictly and contain them in order to avoid their spread.

"These incidents remind us of the epoch of war, and if left uncontained, we could easily be dragged back into a serious internal conflict,” the Phalange statement said after the weekly meeting of the party's political bureau.

The party blamed the state's policy of “consensual security” for these security events, saying that the authorities' strength and security control policies are best tested during these times.

Three people were killed on Sunday and many were injured after clashes erupted in the southern city of Sidon between supporters of Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir and Hizbullah.

The Phalange emphasized the importance of the economical and social situation in Lebanon during its meeting, referring to reports that put the country on poverty lines due to the rising prices of products, decrease in employment opportunities, and decline of growth rates, amongst other factors.

"We demand the cabinet to give priority to economic and social issues by revising its policies, controlling unnecessary expenditures and drawing an end to all money wasted on electoral campaigns,” the statement added.

Concerning the scandal of illegally imported medications, the party vowed to follow up closely on this issue, calling on the cabinet to adopt a transparent approach in investigating this case and revealing all suspects involved in it, as it puts Lebanese citizens' health and life in jeopardy.

The Phalange party also discussed the situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon amongst other issues, asking the cabinet to seek support from the international community, because “taking care of this humanitarian case… requires more than what the state could deal with”.