BEIRUT: Caretaker Defense Minister Elias Murr said on Wednesday he refused to accept any security breaches or hindering of stability and peace in the country. During a meeting with a municipal delegation from Northern Metn, Murr commented on last week’s incident in the Beirut suburb of Ain al-Remmaneh – where clashes broke out between Shiyyah and Ain al-Remmaneh residents, resulting in the death of one person.
“I do not advise anyone to play with fire, especially in the region that has paid a lot in the past. We are in charge of the area and its residents’ security,” Murr said, adding that the Defense and Interior ministries will firmly preserve security.
Murr said the residents of Ain al-Remmaneh and Shiyyah have “a strong desire for coexistence,” adding that perpetrators were from all sides.
He stressed that the death of George Abu Madi was unacceptable for everybody.
He also said that permanent checkpoints would be established along the line separating Ain al-Remmaneh and Al-Shiyyah, adding that three or four alleged perpetrators were arrested last week and transferred to the office of the Prosecutor General, where they are being interrogated.
“The penal code is clear and the issue is in the hands of the judiciary. The indictment against the criminals will be issued soon, according to the law,” Murr said.
Meanwhile, an Interior Ministry decision to ban the use of motorcycles in the wake of a spate of security incidents involving the vehicles will be effective as of Thursday.
According to the decision, it will be illegal to use a motorcycle from 6:30 p.m. to 5 a.m, except for motorcycles used by restaurants, pharmacies and the press. – The Daily Star
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