Mashnouq Expects Further Security Turbulence in Lebanon
Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq stressed on Wednesday that the upcoming year in Iraq and Syria will witness tough security developments, which will have severe repercussions on Lebanon.
“We are ready to face all the possible scenarios and the security forces are on full alert,” Mashnouq said in comments to As Safir newspaper.
He considered that fortifying the local situation requires national unity, balanced security and a courage by the people to confront the sick and destructive ideology that considers killing a part of religion, voicing fear that Lebanon will be subjected to more challenges and security shake-ups.
Asked if his concerns come in light of the stage that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon reached, Mashnouq noted that he is only interested in implementing security.
“I believe that the political testimonies at the tribunal will have an impact on the political security in the country,” the minister said, expressing hope that all repercussions would be contained.
MP Marwan Hamadeh began on Monday his political testimony before the STL.
His testimony will pave the way to tackling the political motivations linked to the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005.
The in absentia trial of five Hizbullah members accused of murdering Hariri kicked off at the STL in The Hague in January.
The February 14, 2005 seafront blast killed 22 people including Hariri and wounded 226.
To date, more than 35 witnesses have testified before the tribunal and a total of 461 exhibits were admitted into evidence.
H.K.
G.K.
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