07 December 2010
BEIRUT: The Future bloc condemned Monday attacks targeting the Internal Security Forces (ISF), as it reiterated its support for the Lebanese Army and security forces.
“The bloc stresses its full support and trust in the army and security forces and it denounces the accusations targeting the Internal Security Forces, especially after it succeeded in uncovering several [Israeli spy] networks,” said a statement issued by the bloc after it held its weekly meeting under its head, Sidon MP Fouad Siniora at Qoreitem.
“The bloc considers that the attempt by some to fabricate false facts will not yield any benefits and will not change the need to support the army and security forces and congratulate for their achievements,” added the statement.
The ISF’s Information Branch had been subject to fierce criticism recently by MP Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement over the arrest of former General Fayez Karam, a senior FPM official who was arrested in August on suspicion of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
Aoun argues that Karam was innocent and subjected to torture during probes, while the Information Branch says it possesses documents proving that Karam has confessed to ties with Mossad.
Also, Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud took last week a disciplinary measure against ISF director general Major General Ashraf Rifi.
Baroud said that Rifi had exceeded his prerogatives when he responded to a parliamentary inquiry which the interior minister alone is qualified to answer.
Rifi received Monday a delegation from the Future bloc that visited him at ISF’s main headquarters in Achrafieh to express support and appreciation to the ISF.
The delegation included Beirut lawmakers Atef Majdalani, Nabil De Freij, Ammar Houri along with former Deputy Salim Deyab and other figures.
The visitors praised the ISF’s efforts to preserve security and stability in the country, commending the Information Branch’s achievements, manifested in dismantling Israeli espionage networks.
In other news, Future bloc MP Ahmad Fatfat said that Baroud’s stance against Rifi was purely “political,” adding that Baroud should defend the ISF against the wave of campaigns targeting it.
Fatfat told OTV that “when Baroud fails to defend the ISF, he shall not be surprised that the ISF will defend itself.”
“To us, the ISF and the Lebanese Army represent a red line, and any attack against them through media shall be confronted, and the interior minister shall do so” he added.
Baroud told The Daily Star Sunday he would not respond to criticism, adding that he had behaved in line with his duties and convictions. – The Daily Star
Copyright The Daily Star 2010.
