Berri Downplays Army Defections, Says Investments and Terrorism Don't Coexist
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Speaker Nabih Berri expressed belief on Wednesday that the latest defections of Lebanese soldiers would not affect the military institution, stressing a drop in investments during war.
Sneaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Investment Forum 2014 in Geneva, Berri said that the announcement of several soldiers that they were joining the ranks of Syria-based jihadists were limited cases that did not affect the army or soldiers.
Such defections take place in armies in different countries, said Berri.
But he stressed in his remarks published in local dailies that the defections are not being embraced by politicians locally.
On Tuesday, the number of soldiers who have announced their defections since July reached four.
The troops, who have joined al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group, have claimed that their move was the result of the injustice against Sunnis in Lebanon.
Islamists in the country say that Sunnis are facing harassment by the army, which they accuse of working under the command of Hizbullah.
Jihadists from al-Nusra Front and the IS captured Lebanese soldiers and policemen when they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal in August.
Among their demands is the release of Islamists from Roumieh prison.
In his remarks to reporters, Berri described the prison as a “hotel” saying its “guests” enjoy all their needs and contact their families and groups abroad.
The inmates follow-up through their mobile phones the latest progress made by al-Nusra Front and IS in their fighting in Syria and Iraq, said Berri.
He stated that some Roumieh prisoners were leading terrorist groups from inside their cells and were being “protected” by some parties in the state.
He also agreed with Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat for blaming former Internal Security Forces commanders on the chaos at the prison.
During a speech at the World Leaders Investment Summit in Geneva on Wednesday, Berri said international support for Lebanon was not enough to help the country meet the burden of Syrian refugees.
He warned that investments suffer during times of war.
“There is no place for investment where there is terrorism,” Berri added.
G.K.
H.K.
15 October 2014, 08:14
132
Roumieh is a hotel where they control the arsal front.... Freaky...
15 October 2014, 17:19
104
not at all @terrorist. My comment was directed to this troll above. Sorry!
15 October 2014, 18:48
52
@blablabla aka FrenchEagle among many many others just punished you with 8 straight votes.
15 October 2014, 08:20
39
Army defection is not the root cause. As most of us know, for effective and sustainable problem solving ,we need to identify both " the cause and the effect" of the problem. Unfortunately most of our politicians and countrymen identify and see only the effect, while finding a solution for one "effect" problem , the cause will keep on creating new problems . In this country the major cause is that the people do not behave as belonging to one nation under one flag; as long as this is the case ,like in the past 60 years ,new effect problems will remain.
15 October 2014, 08:59
156
The Islamic Republic of Iran respects Speaker Berri and his patriotic stances in support of the Republic's position on internal Lebanese affairs. Mr. Berri commands a much deserved respect and his credibility is unquestionable. Mr. Berri assesses blame where it is due.
15 October 2014, 13:19
127
hahaha! Our new receptionist got a warning for laughing so hard during office hours. The director of Human Resources is recommending to block internet in the office because we all log in all the time to read your comments...!!! You are something another flamethrower, completely another.
15 October 2014, 14:12
125
FT, they are just jealous of your brilliance and glamour. If I were you I wouldn't lose sleep over it. You are the undisputed queen of naharnet and we all know it.
15 October 2014, 10:58
129
Berri described the prison as a “hotel” saying its “guests” enjoy all their needs and contact their families and groups abroad.
At least they are in prison, Mr. Berri. Your militia and HA militia kill, steal, trade in drugs, kidnap people, declare war, and are free on the streets and go home every night. What are you complaining about?!
15 October 2014, 16:43
01
berri is right it's not as serious as when jamil sayyed and walid sukkarieh defected to join the lebanese arab army back in 1975
15 October 2014, 17:32
02
Will you be posting as the_roar tonight or just this screen name?
15 October 2014, 18:50
54
@FrenchEagle aka @blablabla, try not to spell "Daech" the same in both of your posts:) I always told you to stop using your autocorrect feature in the 5 languages you speak.
15 October 2014, 20:41
10
And yet that majority is being held back in its aspirations for democratic legitimacy in Lebanon by so-called Shia politicians (Berri can't be called a warlord: he's just a mouth) who say to the world, "Look, I'm Shia, and Lebanon is a paradise on earth for me."
Actually he may be the only such Shia apologist. Can you name another prominent Lebanese Shia politician who is not part of Hezbullah?
15 October 2014, 21:50
00
chrisrushlau is correct Shia are being held back as flamethrower always said Maronites have too much power, Shia are the overwhelming majority and should rule the country.
