BEIRUT ( Sputnik) Riots that took place on one of the central Beirut streets were beyond inexcusable and such actions can destroy the whole country, acting Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, eyewitnesses told Sputnik that protesters continued clashing with police and throwing stones and other objects, who in response fired tear gas to disperse the protesters. Reports said that around 47 officers were injured and 59 people were detained. “The attack on the Hamra street is unacceptable under no circumstances. It is an attack that I do not want to hold anyone responsible for, the people’s revolution or their dissatisfaction with banks … From my political, governmental and parliamentary viewpoint, I will not accept being a witness of suspicious actions that can ruin the whole country,” Hariri said in a statement. He called to prosecute those accountable for the riots in the Lebanese capital in accordance to the law and also demanded the army to fulfill its obligations on ensuring security.
In October, protests flared across Lebanon amid a crippling economic crisis. They have been demanding urgent reforms to end the deepening liquidity crisis, while President Michel Aoun has blamed it on sanctions. The economic and financial situation has continued to deteriorate, with private entrepreneurs refusing to accept any payment by bank transfer. Hariri’s government resigned on October 29, but the demonstrations have not stopped. In mid-December, President Michel Aoun designated former Education Minister Diab as the next prime minister. However, a new government that satisfies all political parties has not yet been formed. According to the media reports, anti-government protesters gave Diab 48 hours to form a new cabinet.
Hariri Says ‘No One Can Sack’ Salameh, Asks ‘Where was Army’ Tuesday
by naharnet — Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday defended Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh following a meeting with him at the Center House. “The central bank governor has immunity and no one can sack him,” Hariri told reporters after the talks. “All people want to blame the central bank for what’s happening in the country, but there are $47 billion in debt in the electricity file and had we addressed the file, the issue would have been solved,” Hariri added. “The funds went to private generator providers and everyone knows who they are,” the caretaker PM went on to say. “They are saying that I’m the one obstructing the electricity file, but have I ever been in charge of the energy ministry?” Hariri said.
Blasting the Free Patriotic Movement, Hariri said: “Let us look into the responsibility of the political parties in the loss of funds and there is a party that has no job other than obstructing the government’s work and yes I mean the FPM.” Commenting on Tuesday’s violence on Hamra Street, Hariri said: “Peaceful demonstrations are welcome but what happened yesterday is rejected.” “Enough is enough. We as a (Mustaqbal) Movement have so far stayed in our homes but where is the army?” the caretaker PM added. “You know how the caretaker government has dealt with protesters and their safety but what yesterday Beirut’s security was violated and it is prohibited to violate the security of Beirut and Beirut’s people and I’m one of them. We are fed up with this issue,” Hariri said.
