Abou Faour Says Political Rift Shouldn't Affect Security Agencies

Health Minister Wael Abou Faour called on the political arch-foes to tackle the appointment of new top-ranking security officials with reason, urging them to safeguard the state institutions.

“It's illogical that the military institutions and security agencies are undergoing such a political debate,” Abou Faour told reporters on Monday after talks with Prime Minister Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail.

He stressed that the security agencies are the country's sole guarantee amid the chaotic circumstances, urging the rivals not to “involve the security agencies in the political rhetoric.”

“We have a cabinet where we can discuss discretely with the rivals all matters,” the minister, who is loyal to Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat, said.

He considered that any stance should take into consideration the different points of view and preserve the security agencies and their continuation.

“The PSP hopes that the army and security forces wouldn't get involved in the political rift,” Abou Faour added.

The military posts in Lebanon are suffering as the result of the months-long presidential vacuum in light of the parliament's failure to elect a successor for Michel Suleiman whose tenure ended in May last year.

The vacuum also threatens the ISF as chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous is set to retire in June, while the tenure of Military Commander General Jean Qahwaji expires at the end of September.

H.K.

G.K.