Charbel Warns against Falling in Sunni-Shiite Strife Plot

Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel appealed for calm on Monday, advising the Lebanese not to issue judgments in the sectarian attacks shaking the country.

In remarks to As Safir newspaper, Charbel said: “It's very important at this difficult stage not to make quick judgments because some (parties) are attempting to create Sunni-Shiite strife.”

“Any hastiness in making accusations would lead to falling in the trap of strife,” he warned.

His remarks came after four people – two from the Jaafar family, one from the Amhaz clan and a Turk whose mother is Shiite - were killed on Sunday in an ambush in a barren terrain near the northeastern towns of al-Qaa and Arsal.

The Jaafar and Amhaz clans are well-known Shiite families in the region of Baalbek and Hermel.

Charbel told Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5) that he is in favor of announcing the eastern Bekaa valley a military zone.

But such a move requires several procedures, he said.

Security forces are taking serious measures to find the assailants behind the attack on the four men, Charbel added.

The caretaker minister told As Safir that a previous attempt to create Sunni-Shiite strife was made when three Lebanese soldiers were killed in an ambush in Arsal, which is a majority Sunni town.

But the army found the suspects and thwarted the plot of strife, Charbel said.

He urged self-restraint and called for avoiding emotional reactions to Sunday's murder.