Miqati: There are No Problems in Referring Abdul Wahed’s Death to Judicial Council

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Tuesday that he will continue on assuming his responsibilities.

He said before reporters in the northern city of Tripoli: “There are no problems in referring Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Wahed and Mohammed Mereb’s murders to the judicial council.”

Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi needs to be consulted over this matter first ahead of tackling it at cabinet, he explained.

“The judiciary has taken the necessary measures with the military personnel who were present at the Kweikhat checkpoint and investigations are ongoing with them to uncover the details of the incident,” said the premier.

“No one is above the law and we are open to tackling the case under the authority of the law and judiciary,” stressed Miqati.

Addressing the recent demand by the Beirut MPs for his resignation, he stated: “I will not resign because Lebanon is the victim of an assassination attempt.”

“I will remain in order to prevent this assassination,” he declared.

Abdul Wahed and Merheb were killed at an army checkpoint in the northern town of Kweikhat, sparking a wave of outrage in the North and various regions in Lebanon.

The anger spiraled into clashes in Beirut Tariq al-Jedideh neighborhood between supporters of the Mustaqbal movement and Arab Movement Party that left two dead.

The Beirut MPs had demanded on Monday that Miqati step down for failing to fulfill his pledge to maintain stability and security in Lebanon.

The premier later snapped back at the MPs on Monday saying that he is trying to “douse the fire ignited by some Mustaqbal Movement MPs through their fiery, irresponsible stances.”

“The call for the government’s resignation has become present in all the statements and remarks of the Mustaqbal MPs, which reflects a deep desire to regain what they consider an undisputable right,” his office said in a statement.