Chehayeb: The Syrian regime abolished role of Druze in Syria

MP Akram Chehayeb said Sunday that the Druze of Syria are part of the social fabric, and should not be dragged into a confessional fight.

The Syrian regime has abolished the political role of Druze and sowed division between religious communities, according to the MP during a radio interview.

"Do not be a tool in the hands of authority and do not kill your fellow citizens," he added, addressing the citizens of the Syrian Druze community. He also said that the uprising in Syria was not sectarian but rather national and should not be abused to create religious strife.

On the domestic scene, Chehayeb said that Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas was forced to resign to be replaced by Minister Selim Jreissati, one of the people who helped develop the new Syrian constitution.

Jreissati is close to former President Emil Lahoud and known for his position on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), probing 2005 assassination of PM Rafik Hariri.

Nahhas, loyal to Change and Reform Bloc, resigned earlier this week on the backdrop of dispute over decree to cover transportation fees for workers.

"The performance of Prime Minister Najib Mikati is good, especially with regard to the STL," he reported, noting that the government finally gave Lebanon a chance to maintain security and stability and to preserve state institutions.