Berri Calls for Formation of Security Cell to Tackle Abduction Ordeal

Speaker Nabih Berri called on Thursday for the formation of a security cell to tackle the abduction of servicemen who are held by Islamist gunmen, stressing on the complete coherence with Prime Minister Tammam Salam regarding the case.

Berri said in comments published in al-Mustaqbal newspaper that there is complete coherence between his adviser Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil and Salam regarding the case.

He revealed that Khalil called for further cooperation during the latest meeting for the crisis cell, stressing the importance of secrecy.

On Monday, Salam headed a meeting for the crisis cell at the Grand Serail.

The speaker noted that his adviser also demanded officials to “let the security agencies to follow up the case.”

“There are four security apparatuses in the country... we should form a joint security cell that is tasked with consultations and coordination among each other,” Berri told the newspaper.

He continued: “The security cell would then be tasked with following up the details of the negotiations (with the Islamist gunmen) to release the captive servicemen.”

Berri pointed out that the negotiator would head to PM Salam, who would be chairing the security cell, to coordinate with the rival parties any political decision.

The relatives of the soldiers and policemen, who were taken hostage by al-Qaida-affiliate al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group, have set a protest camp outside the Grand Serail, demanding swift negotiations with the militants to end the abduction of their loved ones.

The security force members were captured when the jihadists briefly overran the northeastern border town of Arsal in August, sparking fierce battles with Lebanese troops.

Four have been executed so far, and the jihadists have threatened to kill the remaining hostages unless there is a deal to free Islamist prisoners in Lebanon.

H.K.

G.K.