REPORT: Mikati says assassination of Fmr Minister Chatah increased tension in Lebanon

The Higher Defense Council convened on Saturday at the Baabda presidential palace under the chairmanship of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and in the presence of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and various other ministers and officials.

Following the meeting, PM Mikati noted that the current situation is not suitable for achieving political goals, pointing out that the Lebanese officials should get back to national dialogue in order to work for Lebanon’s national interest.

Mikati also stressed that those who are behind the assassination of former Minister Mohammad Chatah were successful in increasing tension in the country, highlighting the necessity of acting in a reasonable manner to maintain the country’s stability.

Mikati also said he will be signing, along with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman exceptional decrees in order to refer the latest crimes that took place in Lebanon to the Judicial Council.

In this regard, the Higher Defense Council tasked caretaker Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi with taking necessary measures in order to refer the said dossiers to the Judicial Council, except the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Laqees.

Meanwhile, tents were set at the site of the explosion in Beirut’s Starco region where judicial police along with members from the Information branch are lifting fingerprints and checking in car wrecks.

Investigators are also checking camera footage, and members from the High Relief Commission are surveying the damages in order to pay compensations for affected persons.

Later on, caretaker Prime Minister Mikati issued a memorandum whereby he declared Sunday the 29th of December a day of mourning over the assassination of former Minister Mohammad Chatah.

An explosion rocked the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday, December 27, targeting the convoy of former minister Mohammad Chatah.

Sources at the explosion site said Chatah was on his way to attend a meeting at Beit al-Wasat when the explosion occurred.

The sources added that the explosion was caused by a booby-trapped car, identified as a Nissan, which was parked only one hour before the explosion; however, in information made available to LBCI, the explosive-laden vehicle was identified as a Honda reported stolen from Lebanon in 2012.

The explosion in Beirut's Starco claimed the lives of 7 persons, including former minister Chatah, and injured 71 others.

The funeral service of the assassinated former minister is set to be held on Sunday at the Mohammad al-Amin mosque in Downtown Beirut.

Friday's blast came less than three weeks before the trial for those suspected in former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination was set to begin. Five Hezbollah members have been indicted for alleged involvement in the killing.

Hezbollah rejects the accusations, and has refused to hand over the suspects.

More recently, the country has seen a wave of violence as Lebanon's Sunni and Shiite communities line up with their brethren on opposing sides in Syria's civil war.


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