Defense Minister Ghoson: Tripoli is back to Calm

Local Editor

The Minister of Defense in the new government Fayez Ghoson announced "that things returned to the normal state in Tripoli" explaining that "the security situation is disciplined on the ground and is being politically handled."
In an interview with "al-intiqad" website, Ghoson denied the rumors that the government is of single color. "It is a government of all of Lebanon, and it will develop projects for all of Lebanon."

Hoping that the "army and the people rally around the government," Ghoson stressed that " we are in front of a golden opportunity that assumes everyone's collaboration , cooperation, and whirling around the army without being distracted with useless matters that results only in the country's desolation."

Praising the Lebanese Army's efforts for it is the only guarantee for all Lebanon; Ghoson pointed out that "being politically covered, army units took all their right in taking measures on the ground for amputation of strife and ending it in its infancy."
"We have already witnessed, during the last few hours, the return of people to their homes and that the security and political situation has been handled preventing its transfer from one area to another." Ghoson added.

The minister explained the events of what happened in Tripoli Friday, explaining that "as Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the ministers headed to Tripoli to celebrate the formation of the new government with an aim to put development plans and make promises to the citizens with positive things in the disadvantaged North, eyes of sedition emerged again to prevent this trend and celebration."

In response to the U.S. Congress calls to stop aid to the Lebanese Army after the formation of the new government, the Defense minister described the action as "not new," noting that "the U.S. administration is only after the "Israeli" interest and that it was and still Lebanon's enemy and not friend."

"Lebanon is still there because of its steadfastness and strength during the 2000 liberation and in July 2006 war and after that. It is normal that the US administration is not comfortable with the new situation after the formation of the government because we are a national Arab group that believes in resistance, country's unity, civil peace and the future of Lebanon." Ghoson concluded.