Cabinet Gives Army Authority on Deployment and Protection of Arsal
The government tasked the Lebanese army on Thursday with taking necessary measures to deploy inside the northeastern border town of Arsal to protect it against militant attacks, Information Minister Ramzi Jreij said.
“After long discussions on the catastrophic situation in Arsal and the presence of militants on its outskirts, the cabinet expressed full confidence in the army,” Jreij said in his briefing to reporters following a government session that was chaired by Prime Minister Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail.
The cabinet tasked the military “with taking all necessary measures to deploy inside Arsal and protect it from attacks and the dangers of armed men,” he said.
The ministers agreed to continue discussions on all other issues during a session next Thursday, the minister stated, without further elaboration.
But local TV reports said that Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq informed the cabinet that he was mulling to extend the term of Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous after the ministers failed again to agree on the controversial issue of security and military appointments.
Basbous' term ends at midnight Thursday.
According to the reports, al-Mashnouq also told the cabinet that he would issue a decree appointing Joseph Helou as police chief.
In his briefing, Jreij said Salam reiterated the necessity to elect a president, saying the more than one-year vacuum at Baabda Palace has reflected negatively on the role of state institutions.
Salam also informed the cabinet of the result of his visit to Saudi Arabia, he added.
G.K.
M.T.
almost 9 years
Yes phoenix finally, you know why? Because Mostaqbal changed their mind, theu knew the Resistance would do it, if the army didn't recieve the greenlight.
almost 9 years
What's with your continued holier than thou attitude?
Just remember your own religion's saying من قتل بالسيف، بالسيف يقتل a wise motto to live by as it recognizes that violent conflict resolution only leads to more conflicts and more violence.
Wake up!
almost 9 years
Mystic, you may not like this, but it has nothing to do with Mustaqbal or even Hezbollah. FYI, the Lebanese Army has been for quite a while emancipating itself from the political constraints and this no matter whom it may concern. In Nahr El Bared some years ago, the then Army CIC General Suleiman was given red lines none other than by Sayed Hassan himself. Suleiman did not listen and the rest we know. In Arsal the same meddling is taking place with Hezbollah trying best as it could to involve the army into its wars like it used to before, and the army knowing better is not getting involved. But hey, it's Lebanese soil right? Now the army is doing what it should have done ages ago, it is that simple my dear brother.
almost 9 years
Because of some thugs fight each other, Arsal citizens will pay the bills!! and as usual they put army in front while conspiracy takes its place at night to trap Arsal from all sides! how convenient
almost 9 years
No ya mystic if your terrorist resistance entered Arsal then it would've been a blood battle Sunni vs Shia
almost 9 years
Indeed it would have been, besides, the army's job by definition is to protect the Lebanese borders which does *not* include going into Syria after them nor expending effort to remove them from the small mountainous areas in the outskirts of Arsal. Too little gain from a major efforts requirements of fighting Jihadis entrenched in treacherous terrain. Better to let them disintegrate on their own while keeping them out of Arsal.
Finally, one solid move in the right direction.