Salam Condemns Tayyouneh Blast: Lebanon Will Not Turn to Open Battle for Sectarian Disputes
Prime Minister Tammam Salam condemned on Tuesday the bombing that targeted an army checkpoint in Beirut's Tayyouneh neighborhood, deeming it an “ugly terrorist” act.
He said in a statement: “Lebanon will not turn into an open ground for sectarian meddling.”
“Such plans will inevitably fail thanks to the Lebanese people's wisdom,” he stressed.
The premier called on the people to exercise diligence and “thwart attempts to tamper with the country's security and create division among them.”
“The Tayyouneh blast is a clear attempt to create instability in Lebanon, harm its national unity, and target its foundations through sectarian strife that is raging in the region,” noted Salam.
“The Lebanese people should rise up the occasion and face the challenges of this current phase through fortifying Lebanon with political measures and activating constitutional institutions,” he added.
They must also “not waver in electing a new president,” said Salam.
The prime minister had held talks on the latest developments with Speaker Nabih Berri, Defense Minister Samir Moqbel, Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, and the heads of security agencies.
He requested that they intensify their security plans and be firm in pursuing terrorists and bringing them to justice.
One person was killed and at least 20 wounded when a suicide bomber detonated himself at an army checkpoint at the Tayyouneh roundabout at the entrance of Beirut's southern suburbs in the early hours of Tuesday.
The car bombing came three days after a suicide attack in the east of the country which left one person dead and 30 wounded. The attack was the first in Lebanon since March.
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat later condemned the bombings, offering his condolences to the families of the victims.
He once against called on the political forces to place national interests above all else “through activating the role of state institutions and refraining from obstructing them.”
He also stressed the need for complete coordination between the various security agencies in confronting “impending dangers.”
M.T.
G.K.
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