Politicians react to Sassine clash and 'provocations'

Several MPs and political parties on Sunday condemned the overnight incidents at Ashrafieh's Sassine Square that followed Morroco's World Cup win.

"We call on all Lebanese to show vigilance in order not to fall into a major problem that we can do without," Ashrafieh MP Hagop Terzian said.

The National Liberal Party (al-Ahrar) meanwhile wondered why "some are trying to undermine the security situation" and "for what purposes."

"For the last time we tell all those fishing in troubled waters: Ashrafieh is not a mailbox nor a passageway for mobs. The imposed dialogues do not pass through Ashrafieh or other areas. If you haven't read history, ask those who came before you," the party added.

Liberty Front leader Fouad Abou Nader, who is a former Lebanese Forces chief, meanwhile said that "Morocco's historic victory" was "distorted by a barbaric invasion of Ashrafieh whose timing and objectives are suspicious," describing the incident as "condemned and totally unacceptable."

Ashrafieh MP Ghassan Hasbani of the LF for his part deplored the "provocation," warning that "Ashrafieh cannot be violated and its people cannot stand idly by despite their adherence to peace and the love of life and their faith that is based on love and tolerance."

"The provocation aimed at stirring sectarian sentiments under the excuse of football should not be repeated, so that it does not draw harsh reactions against the violators," Hasbani added.

Ashrafieh MP Jihad Pakradouni of the LF also warned that Ashrafieh cannot accept provocations and "rejected practices."

"Regardless of who did them, whether out of thuggery or a premeditated action, the result and the repercussions will be the same: further tensions," Pakradouni warned.

"Haven't they drawn lessons from the Tabaris and Tayyouneh incursions?" he wondered.

The overnight clash broke out after dozens of individuals arrived in the area on motorbikes carrying “flags of Morocco, Palestine and Syria,” media reports said.

Videos posted online showed the revelers chanting Islamic slogans in front of the Christmas tree in Sassine. The scenes were deemed provocative by young men from the area, which triggered a clash.