Salam: Chaos Not a Solution, Extremism Complicates Problems

Prime Minister Tammam Salam on Sunday described the anti-government protests that have been shaking the country in recent weeks as a “legitimate expression” while warning that “some parties are trying to exploit this popular anger to spread chaos in the country.”

The protests are “a legitimate expression of the anger of Lebanese over the deterioration of their living conditions,” said Salam during a meeting with Akkar clergymen and dignitaries.

But he cautioned that “some parties are trying to exploit this popular anger to spread chaos in the country.”

“Chaos is not a solution and resorting to extremism complicates problems instead of solving them,” the prime minister added.

Describing the current situation in the country as “very, very difficult,” Salam warned that “the aggravation of political disputes – which has led to presidential void and legislative and governmental paralysis – will only lead to collapse.”

Turning to Sepaker Nabih Berri's call for a national dialogue conference on September 9, the PM described it as a “lauded effort to contain the conflict and seek political exits and solutions to the crisis.”

On Saturday, the August 29 coalition and the "You Stink" group organized small demos around Lebanon to protest what they call a corrupt and inept political class.

The protest movement began in July when the country's main landfill in Naameh closed and pungent garbage started piling up in Beirut and its outskirts, but it has evolved into a broad-based mobilization against government impotence and corruption.

Demonstrations organized by "You Stink" have escalated over the past two weeks, peaking last Saturday when tens of thousands flooded Martyrs Square in a rare display of non-partisan mobilization.

Organizers said the small demos were to symbolize that they would not withdraw from the streets "until they obtain their rights, even if it costs them their lives."

Meanwhile, "You Stink" has called for a massive demonstration near the place where the national dialogue will be held.

On Thursday, more than ten "You Stink" activists began a hunger strike that they said would not end until Mohammed al-Mashnouq resigned as environment minister.

In addition to his resignation, the campaign is demanding a lasting waste management plan, parliamentary elections and accountability for police violence against protesters.

Some protest organizers and politicians had accused “thugs sent by political parties” of infiltrating peaceful demos to spark riots and clashes with security forces.

Y.R.