Lebanon's parliament speaker warns of sectarian strife after deadly incidents
The Lebanese Parliament speaker and leader of the Amal movement, Nabih Berri, has warned that the recent security-related incidents in the country will lead to instability and the relapse of Lebanon into anarchy and sectarian strife.
Berri made the remark in a televised speech on Monday, while referring to clashes between rival Lebanese groups last week that killed two people in Khaldeh area south of Beirut, and an incident days earlier in the northern village of Kaftoun in which three men were fatally shot.
"I warn irresponsible politicians against continuing with this behavior because it creates a fertile ground for a return to anarchy and awakens the sleeping devils of terrorist cells which are waiting for the opportunity to pounce on Lebanon's security, unity and civil peace," Berri said in his speech.
The Lebanese official warned that political machinations, selfishness and grudges could shove the country to "the edge of existential danger.”
The Khaldeh incident triggered widespread contention among Lebanese politicians, including Berri, that pushed for containing tensions in a peaceful manner.
Lebanon, still reeling from its 1975-90 civil war, has been beset by a financial meltdown and a devastating Beirut port explosion earlier this month.
The August 4 explosion killed over 180 people, wounded thousands and left some 300,000 temporarily homeless. It destroyed Beirut port and a large swathe of the city.
The massive blast has fueled popular anger in a country already struggling with a major economic crisis.
Lebanon's government subsequently stepped down as previous Prime Minister Hassan Diab blamed endemic corruption for the catastrophe.
Lebanon's newly-designated prime minister Mustapha Adib has vowed to swiftly launch a reformist government to address the acute economic and political crisis in the country.
In a televised speech after his nomination, Adib said on Monday there "was no time for words, promises and wishes," pledging instead to enact swift reforms long demanded by the Lebanese people.
There is "a need to form a government in record time and to begin implementing reforms immediately, starting with an agreement with the International Monetary Fund."
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