Miqati: Tripoli Has No Other Option but Resorting to the State
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati condemned on Thursday the renewal of clashes between the rival Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen neighborhoods in the northern city of Tripoli, saying that its residents feel like pawns in regional schemes.
He said after holding a security meeting with President Michel Suleiman on the latest developments in the city: “There is no other option for Tripoli but resorting to the state.”
He urged all sides to adhere to and cooperate with the security agencies in order to restore calm.
“It feels like Tripoli is no longer part of the state,” he lamented.
“Its residents want to feel part of the state and they oppose autonomous security,” added Miqati.
Furthermore, he rejected claims that politicians are fueling the tensions in the city, saying: “We are demanding that the security agencies assume their responsibilities.”
“No political cover will be granted to anyone,” he declared.
Commenting on the security plan that was recently approved for Tripoli, he revealed that it has not been completely implemented.
He explained that it will be implemented in phases, adding that certain security measures will be taken in the northern city.
“The situation in Tripoli can no longer persist this way,” stressed Miqati.
One person was killed on Thursday and eight were injured in renewed fighting and sniper activity in Tripoli.
Thursday's death brought the toll from the four days of clashes to three. Dozens have also been injured.
The fighting broke out on Monday evening following Syrian President Bashar Assad’s appearance on al-Mayadeen television for an interview.
The violence between Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen has worsened since the March 2011 start of Syria's uprising.
Bab al-Tabbaneh's Sunni inhabitants support the anti-Assad revolt in Syria while Jabal Mohsen, a majority Alawite neighborhood, backs the Syrian president.
Source: Naharnet
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