Fatfat Slams Berri’s Shortcomings in Dealing with Syria’s Accusations against Jarrah

Mustaqbal MP Ahmed Fatfat criticized House Speaker Nabih Berri’s handling of the case of Syria’s accusation against MP Jamal Jarrah of funding a terrorist cell seeking to destabilize the Arab state.

He told al-Mustaqbal newspaper in remarks published on Tuesday: “An accusation was directed against a member of parliament and his refusal to respond to the allegations means that he is allowing Jarrah’s blood to be spilled.”

“Berri’s behavior is not unusual, especially considering that he allowed armed men to violate the houses of MPs during the May 7, 2008, unrest,” the MP continued.

“He is making these stands based on his political position, not his official one,” Fatfat stressed.

Moreover, the speaker should have summoned Syria’s ambassador to Lebanon, ordering him to present evidence of Syria’s claims, he added.

“Berri has a moral and political responsibility to defend members of parliament and protect their dignity in this case,” he said.

Furthermore, if the accusations are valid, then the necessary measures should be taken against Jarrah, Fatfat noted.