Suleiman Stresses to Nasrallah, Berri Need for Investigating Riot Deaths

 

Army commander Gen. Michel Suleiman said that the military has launched a “serious” investigation into the deaths of seven people killed during Sunday”s riots in Beirut”s southern suburbs.

 

Suleiman also stressed during separate meetings with Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri that he “did not and will not cover up for any culprit no matter where he was.”

 

A statement issued by Hizbullah said Nasrallah stressed during his meeting with Suleiman Monday evening the need to launch a “swift, serious and complete investigation away from pressures and politicizing” the issue.

 

Well-informed sources said that Suleiman and Berri agreed in Ain el Tineh on a “serious, effective and swift” probe into Sunday”s incidents which broke out after stone-wielding protesters blocked several roads in Dahiyeh with burning tires.

 

The protests against power cuts quickly degenerated into street violence and the army deployed to prevent the unrest from spreading into other areas.

 

It was unclear how the deaths occurred.

 

The sources said Berri expressed willingness to help Suleiman by handing in any suspect from his Amal movement or from Hizbullah to facilitate the probe.

 

Suleiman, who was accompanied by military intelligence chief Brig. Gen. George Khoury, conveyed condolences to both Nasrallah and Berri.

 

The Lebanese Army Command, in a communiqué, also expressed sorrow over the deaths in Sunday”s riots.

 

The communiqué said the incidents, which “only serve the enemy, were directed against both the army and the citizens.”

 

It said that “very serious” investigation was underway to determine what happened, pinpoint those responsible and take the necessary measures.

 

The military also urged those protesting against worsening living conditions to “exercise self restraint while demanding their legitimate rights.”

 

Suleiman”s meetings were preceded by harsh stances from Hizbullah against the military command.

 

Hizbullah politburo member Mahmoud Qammati said that his group “will not let this issue (pass) because it has crossed the red lines.”

 

He warned that Hizbullah “will take a political stance in light of what the army was going to announce.”

 

Hizbullah MP Ali Ammar, in turn, demanded that the Lebanese army command “acts responsibly as this heinous crime was premeditated.”

 

He said that the “blood of the Lebanese, particularly that of Dahiyeh, is not a passageway towards the presidency.”