Miqati: Security Situation Will Not Deteriorate because of a Demo or Regional Unrest

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stated on Sunday that the Lebanese constitution grants the people the right to demonstrate “peacefully and under the rule of law.”

He said via Twitter: “The security situation in Lebanon will not deteriorate because of a demonstration or the regional instability.”

He made his statements in reference to pro- and anti-Assad demonstrations that are being held in downtown Beirut amid fears that the tensions between the rival sides may lead to unrest.

Asked about the government’s decision to distance itself from the Syrian crisis, he replied: “This policy does not mean that we are not concerned about the painful humanitarian situation in Syria and that we are not keen on presenting aid to our brothers.”

“Being active on the humanitarian level does not mean that we trying to exploit it politically. Peoples' lives are not for exploitation,” Miqati declared.

On February 28, the premier explained that Lebanon’s situation is unique regarding the crisis in Syria as many elements control its decision such as the geographic, historical social, and economic relations and the protocols and agreements signed between the two countries which “can’t be ignored.”

“Another important issue that should be taken into consideration is the relations with the Arab countries… We can’t risk our excellent relations with them especially since many Lebanese expats live in those countries…,” he stated.

He also denied reports saying that foreign countries asked him to establish a buffer zone in northern Lebanon to receive Syrian refugees fleeing from the crisis in their country.