Zahra to LBCI: Ghosn’s clarification eased tension but did not settle debate

MP Antoine Zahra said on Tuesday that Minister Fayez Ghosn clarified his recent remarks on Al Qaeda infiltration during the Defense Committee meeting on Monday.    

“Ghosn made clear that he made remarks on the infiltration of terrorist members, under the cover of Syrian opposition members, from Syria into Lebanon, not the other way around, as he mentioned Arsal as an example only,” Zahra said, adding that each party reiterated its position during the session.     

Zahra told Nharkom Said TV Show that Ghosn’s clarification that Arsal does not harbor “terrorists” eased the tense atmosphere.    

Zahra added that only the Siniora government gave the military institution cover to fight against terrorism and Islamic extremism, recalling that it was Hezbollah that tried to deter the LAF from confronting Fatah al-Islam in Nahr al Bared.     

Zahra also accused Minister Gebran Bassil and his movement of obstructing the LAF role and preventing it from extending its power over the entire Lebanese territory.      

As for the Syrian issue, Zahra reiterated that March 14 forces support freedom, democracy and the people’s will, explaining that its call for finding a solution for the crisis does not mean interfering in the Syrian affairs, rather sympathizing with the Syrian people.