Cautious calm prevails in Tripoli after the army units have deployed in several central points in the city.
According to reports, citizen Hilal Al-Hamwe was injured in his legs. Accordingly he was rushed to the Islamic Hospital.
Separately, North Governor Nassif Kaloush met with Civil Society organizations, NGOs, and mayors in Tripoli, Mina, Kalmoun and Mineh who called for putting an end for the battles.
In this context, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel visited the city where he
presided a sub-security meeting with the participation of top security officials.
Following the meeting, Charbel held a press conference in which he stated
that the security situation in Tripoli has a negative influence on the economy,
stressing that no one is winning in this battle.
Charbel also revealed that the Supreme Defense Council will convene tomorrow
in Baabda in the presence of President Michel Sleiman and will be taking strict
security measures in Tripoli.
The minister then urged Bab el-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen’s residents to stop
fighting over foreign issues.
Charbel also stressed that the conflict in Tripoli must come to end because
he fears clashes will erupt in the whole North region.
On the Lebanese killed in Talkalakh's issue, Charbel stated that according to
Syrian officials, the number of the Lebanese nationals killed in the ambush is
16 and that the bodies will be delivered to the Lebanese state over one batch.
When asked about Mufti of Tripoli and the North
Sheikh Malek al-Shaar who was advised not to return to
Lebanon after receiving death threats, Charbel emphasized that the Mufti can
return but must take necessary security measures to secure his protection.
For his part, MP Samir Jeser said after a meeting of Tripoli, Menieh, Doniyeh and Akkar’s MPs, that the conflict between Bab el-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen has a negative influence on Lebanon, its development and economy, stressing that the incidents in Tripoli are causing destruction of the houses and shops and are hindering the daily routine of the residents.
According to Jeser, the Talkalakh incident was an additional reason for the clashes to erupt.
Jeser also urged the Lebanese authorities, President Michel Sleiman and PM Najib Mikati to take strict security measures and to be just towards all Tripoli’s regions.
“We won’t accept anymore the discrimination in solving the problems. All Lebanese regions, including border towns should receive the same treatment,” he stated.
“The only way to impose security in Tripoli is by ensuring justice,” he added.
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel arrived later to Jeser’s residence in Tripoli to meet with the region’s officials and MPs.