Higher Defense Council Tends to Provide Immunity for Army against Terrorism
Secrecy shrouded the Higher Defense Council meeting which convened late Thursday amid reports that Lebanon is bent on providing immunity for the Lebanese army against terrorism.
"There are efforts to provide both military and political immunity (for the army) … in its battle against the return of terrorist attacks," said the daily An Nahar Friday.
President Michel Suleiman presided over the meeting which was held at Baabda Palace for the first time since the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri in February 2005.
Prime Minister Fouad Saniora as well as the ministers of defense, interior, foreign, finance and trade attended the meeting.
Also present was acting army commander Maj. Gen. Shawki Masri, police Chief Ashraf Rifi, General Security Director General Maj. Gen. Wafik Jizzini, State Security General Director Brig. Gen. Elias Kaykati, Military Intelligence chief Brig. Gen. George Khoury as well as State Prosecutor Saeed Mirza and Secretary General of the Higher Defense Council Maj. Gen. Saeed Eid.
The Cabinet is expected to meet later Friday under Suleiman to discuss the decisions taken by the Higher Defense Council.
A statement issued after the meeting said the Council discussed the security situation in the aftermath of the Tripoli blast and gave the necessary recommendations and directions to the specialized authorities to safeguard national peace and stability.
It said the Council will keep its decisions confidential in line with the law.