Hariri: Cabinet to Convene Soon, Anti-Terror Strategy Can Only Rely on Army

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Al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri revealed Thursday that the cabinet will resume its meetings “soon”, stressing that any anti-terror strategy can only be implemented “through the army and legitimate security forces.”

“The government will resume its work soon, in light of the contacts I made with Prime Minister Tammam Salam,” Hariri said during a Center House meeting with Arab ambassadors to Lebanon.

Disputes over the mechanism of cabinet's work amid a presidential vacuum have led to a suspension of its sessions. The government assumed presidential powers after Michel Suleiman left the Baabda Palace on May 25, and decrees were being passed through the signatures of all 24 ministers.

Separately, Hariri announced that “any strategy to combat terrorism can only be implemented through the Lebanese army and legitimate security and military forces, which are competently shouldering their responsibilities across Lebanon.”

On Wednesday, Hariri's al-Mustaqbal movement and Hizbullah announced after their sixth dialogue session that they explored means to find a “national anti-terror strategy,” amid a continued dispute between them over the state's role in such a plan of action.

Hariri explained to his Arab guests that the dialogue is aimed at “defusing Sunni-Shiite tensions” and “alleviating the repercussions of Hizbullah's participation in the Syrian war.”

He then hoped to reach an “agreement” with the party over the election of a new president, noting that “the right gateway to devising a serious national strategy should be through the election of a president for the republic as soon as possible.”

Separately, Hariri lauded Saudi Arabia's “generous” $4 billion donation to the Lebanese army and security forces.

He called for reaching “a comprehensive Arab strategy to combat the phenomenon of terrorism that is proliferating in many countries and threatening the entire world,” without forgetting to warn of “the continuous Israeli threats against Lebanon and its sovereignty.”

Hariri also cautioned of “the threats of Iranian interference in the domestic situations of Arab countries, especially in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.”

Y.R.

Comments 6
Default-user-icon qassem (Guest) 19 February 2015, 21:06

the army's a joke without hezballah isil would be in jounieh and sayda

Thumb marcus 19 February 2015, 21:32

Separately, Hariri announced that “any strategy to combat terrorism can only be implemented through the Lebanese army and legitimate security and military forces, which are competently shouldering their responsibilities across Lebanon.”

Thank you for clarifying this important matter. These issues should be discussed at the government level and not between two parties as if the state does not exist. Also, what anti-terror strategy are you talking about? HA is a terror organization itself!

Thumb nickjames 20 February 2015, 00:10

Not only is Hezbollah a terrorist organisation, Hezbollah, along with Mustaqbal, is responsible for all the terrorism in Lebanon, whether it's Shi3a or Sunni terrorism. These two parties should not be discussing anti-terrorism, not even under government sponsorship. The entire political system in Lebanon needs to be abolished, the government needs to be overthrown, all the Lebanese living inside Lebanon should be deported and Lebanese expats should replace them to build a new Lebanon, a Lebanon free of Islamic rhetoric and political corruption.

Missing helicopter 20 February 2015, 03:51

Separately, Hariri lauded Saudi Arabia's “generous” $4 billion donation to the Lebanese army and security forces.

Fine, but I personally will withhold thanking KSA until the $4B translate into meaningful hardware in the hands of our LAF. I am cautiously hopeful.

Thumb nickjames 20 February 2015, 00:06

What political gains has Saad made?? His government was torpedoed by Hezbollah, he has had to live outside for four years...

Thumb nickjames 20 February 2015, 07:57

Yeah, we'll see how long before he leaves...