Berri Abstaining from Any Public Appearance for 'Compelling' Security Reasons
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Security reasons have been behind Speaker Nabih Berri’s absence from any public appearance, Ad-Diyar newspaper reported on Friday.
According to the daily, security agencies have been able to reveal new data regarding the assassination plot against Berri.
Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil, who is the speaker’s advisor, told the newspaper that Berri is refraining from appearing in public due to “compelling security reasons.”
Berri didn’t join the annual Iftar banquet held by AMAL on Thursday and he also didn’t attend the Iftar held by President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace on Wednesday.
Media reports said earlier this month that the al-Qaida terrorist network has offered a $300,000 reward for the assassination of Berri and Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji.
The speaker confirmed in June that he obtained a list of names of those who are plotting to assassinate him and several other politicians and figures, deeming it a serious and dangerous threat.
In January, security agencies urged Berri and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat to take precautions as they might be the target of an assassination plot.
Several politicians have allegedly been the target of murder attempts recently including MP Butros Harb, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and head of Tawhid Movement Wiam Wahhab.
27 July 2012, 12:32
08
This would be the only way to remove him from his royal position as head Of parliament! But, by the way, did he get any telecom data warning him of an imminent plot?? LOL.
27 July 2012, 14:39
00
I have a feeling that speaker (Opportunist Berri)will be joining the March14 once a final victory is taken place in Syria which is the end for his main two nemesis Assad and Nasrallah.
27 July 2012, 15:45
63
No, not a glorious day to have anyone assassinated, especially by al Qaida. This is just one more indication of the failed Hezbollah government. Look at how many of the political class now fear for their lives. Saad Hariri is in Paris and will not return for "security reasons"; Geagea is hold up in Meraab, for "security reasons"; Antoine Zahra and family left for Dubai; attempted assassinations of Harb and Sammy Gemayel and Nasrallah living underground.
Seems the only politician who sees the light of day in Lebanon without fear of assassination is Michel Aoun. This happens when you have a MOU with the assassins.
27 July 2012, 18:57
00
why do they want to kill Berry? alkaaeda hates jews and Americans. If because he is a Shiite why didnt they add Nasrallah to their list? Is berry on the cia payroll????? yesssssss... was he involved in turning osama in? yesssssssssss. Is he a US citizen? yes he is. I would not be surprised if he too will leave the country soon. His mask has fallen . he played too many countries too many people and amassed a fortune. Every one in this gov is out to make money and run. They dont care a bit about the Lebanese people. That is why the Lebanese people should all gather for a revolution against the gov. Freeze their assests all over the world and guillautine them all.
28 July 2012, 00:55
05
I guess Nasrallah got himsef some company in the sewer, now we have 2 rats hiding in there.
