Calm prevails in Tripoli as PM Mikati monitors security plan

On Tuesday, streets in Tripoli seem normal and traffic has returned as the LAF entered into neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab el-Tabbaneh setting up checkpoints and patrols in the streets.                     


For his part, PM Najib Mikati arrived at his residence in the northern Lebanese city and is expected to hold various meetings to follow up the recent developments.       
                    

In this context, PM Mikati said that his visit to Tripoli aims at monitoring how security plan is being implemented seemingly "since it has become obvious that the government is the only option and that only the LAF and ISF are holding the grip on security."                          


PM Mikati added that the 2008 Reconciliation Memorandum will be reactivated in order to reach a final solution for Tripoli and said: "If we do not cooperate with one another we will not be able to overcome regional repercussions facing the country".                          


Mikati concluded by saying that the sole objective should be safeguarding the country from the political turmoil which is currently facing the region.         


Sources said to LBCI that the Supreme Council for Defense took the decision of raising search and investigation warrants against security violators as well as raids against arms caches in the area.

On the other hand, leader of the Lebanese Arab Democratic Party, Refaat Eid, held a press conference live from Tripoli where he said that the latest rounds of clashes in Tripoli have been the most violent.            

Eid considered that Tripoli's politicians are to bear responsibility for the bloodshed in Tripoli and for the death of nationals in Talkalakh, pointing that the LAF deployment will reflect positively on the region.          

In addition to this, he said that during the past few weeks, Free Syrian Army (FSA) identified arms were being used in the clashes, and "FSA members were fully functional in the region," adding that he has available proof.            

Eid added that International Intelligence, Al-Qaeda, and Fatah Islam are "all over North Lebanon", and mentioned that they are ready to give up on their arms if security guarantees are available.               

In reference to Former PM Saad Hariri, Eid said that they promise the failure of rival groups in any attempts against Jabal Mohsen.             

He also accused the Future bloc of selling arms in Tripoli, en route to Syrian rebels and added that MP Okab Sakr and the Lutfallah ship are evidence of "their" involvement in arms sale and transport.


To read Refaat Eid's full statements, please click on this link.