Wahhab: Arab Tawhid Party Does Not Believe in Violence

Former minister Wiam Wahhab stressed Thursday that his Arab Tawhid Party “does not believe in violence” as a way to settle political differences, after one of its members was arrested for hurling an explosive device in the Bekaa town of Majdal Anjar.

“The Arab Tawhid Party does not believe in violence, although one of the party's members has made a reaction in response to certain provocations,” Wahhab said during a meeting at his residence for the Lebanese National and Islamic Parties and Forces grouping, which comprises most of the March 8 camp factions.

The detained party member, Hisham Abou Diab, has confessed to hurling the explosive device that went off under the car of Mohammed Salim Abdul Khaleq in Majdal Anjar on September 6.

Abou Diab told interrogators that he “acted on his own” after being “infuriated by the banner that insults the leader of the Arab Tawhid Party,” al-Akhbar newspaper has reported.

Abdul Khaleq was behind hoisting the anti-Wahhab banner on the al-Masnaa international highway, according to media reports.

Two Syrian refugee children were lightly wounded in the dawn bomb attack.

Abdul Khaleq had slammed Wahhab as a “bastard” in the banner after the former minister accused a contractor from the Hammoud family of corruption during a TV show and in meetings with popular delegations at his residence, media reports said.

Hammoud “has become stronger than the State and he is seeking to deprive citizens of ten hours of power supply because he has influence over some ministers and is seeking illegal financial gains,” Wahhab said.