Rifi: We Won’t Allow Mobile Network to Be Transferred to Private Sector Except with Cabinet’s Approval
Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi stated on Friday that he won’t allow the mobile phone network in Lebanon to be transferred to the private sector except with the government’s approval.
He told LBC television: “The Security forces would be geld responsible if these stations are destroyed or stolen.”
He also questioned caretaker Telecommunications Minister Charbel Nahhas’ refusal to provide the ISF with phone data necessary for its investigations, saying that it’s unfortunate that the ISF’s duties may sometimes “require confrontation with others.”
Rifi said that he respects Caretaker Interior Minister Ziad Baroud but he was compelled not to abide by his orders out of his keenness to ensure the protection of the people and state institutions.
Rifi told al-Liwaa daily in remarks published Friday that he respects Baroud despite his decision to give up his ministerial responsibilities after being unable to enforce the law.
“At times, we find ourselves compelled to take major decisions for being responsible for the protection of the people and institutions,” Rifi said about his rejection to abide by Baroud’s orders to pull his forces out of a building affiliated with the Telecommunications Ministry in Beirut’s al-Adlieh area.
On Thursday, the security forces prevented Nahhas, accompanied by a number of technicians, from accessing the facility to dismantle equipment of a third telecom network.
Rifi reiterated that the ISF’s decision to guard the Chinese-donated equipment was based upon the request of OGERO, the state-owned telecommunications company with autonomous status.
“In accordance with the ISF law, I am required to provide the support to any demand by an authority. So I am responsible for the protection of the equipment,” he told al-Liwaa.
The ISF chief also accused Nahhas of concealing telecommunications data from the ISF’s Information Branch, obstructing investigation into the case of seven Estonian tourists who were kidnapped in the Bekaa valley in March.
almost 13 years
Rifi's job is to obey the orders given to him by his boss, the minister of the interior, Ziad Baroud. If he disobeys, then he must be punished. Otherwise, he is simply running a militia. Who is right politically or wrong is a matter to be settled elsewhere. HIS JOB AND DUTY IS TO OBEY HIS BOSS. PERIOD. In any case, what happened and is still unresolved is a big slap in the face of our president above all else. Suleiman is being punished by Hariri. The coming days will reveal all.
almost 13 years
He is running a militia... with your taxpayer's money !
almost 13 years
He is running a militia... with your taxpayer's money !
almost 13 years
Nahhas is NOT even a minister he resigned with the rest of M8. He's NOT a caretaker minister!!! why he Aoun and his team keep making problems for everyone who doesn't agree with them?
Why should Hariri bunish the presiddent?!! Aoun is the one who keep insulting everyone including Sunnis, the President and Baroud...Please watch the news and hear what Aoun and his gang keep saying and insulting everyone..shame on you Aoun and Nahhas.
almost 13 years
To the esteemed General Rifi, MTC and Alpha don't belong to the private sector, but the government.
If you were so keen on preserving the laws issued by the cabinet, you would obey the first order which is the adhere to all decrees issued by the president and interior minister.
Clearly, you're just an illiterate militiaman. You and your fir3 l ma3loumet. Never had a good experience with any of those ze3ran.
almost 13 years
Dear Mr. Rifi (as you no longer deserve the title "chief"), as part of the military institution, your role is not to mix into politics and not to have double-standards in performing your duties. You are also bound to follow you boss' orders, namely the Interior Monister, and in case you disagree, you should resign.
Otherwise, the ISF that you run is no different at all the the Hizbullah armed forces, and I suggest that you go and join them, which is a more honorable exit than the one that's awaiting you. The fall is gonna be tough and painful...
You did the right thing Genera Rifi. I am happy that someone had the guts to finally stand up to these hooligans and criminals. God bless Rifi.