Dispute between Police, ISF Chiefs Made Public
A dispute between Internal Security Forces commander Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi, who enjoys majority support, and Opposition-backed police chief Brig. Gen. Antoine Shakkour threatened to aggravate a range of underlying issues to the extent that presidential intervention was required to stop the squabble.
The conflict, which took on political dimensions, seems to have stemmed from a fight over jurisdiction as well as administrative decisions and correspondence between Rifi and Shakkour relating to certain tasks.
ISF leadership meetings have also been suspended due to the boycott of a number of its members.
The daily As-Safir said Shakkour has been refusing to carry out Rifi”s orders which he believes are not in line with legal norms.
Shakkour”s action constituted "disciplinary violation," according to Rifi – actions that the ISF commander can "no longer keep silent about."
The dispute further aggravated over the past two days in the wake of orders issued to Skakkour by Rifi.
Al-Akhbar newspaper said Rifi hinted at taking stern disciplinary measures against Skhakkour that could lead to his arrest in case of non-implementation of orders.
The conflict required a speedy intervention by Lebanon”s top political leaders, including President Michel Suleiman to prevent further escalation of the situation.
Al-Akhbar said Opposition leaders — including Hizbullah, Speaker Nabih Berri, Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun and Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjie – have voiced support for Shakkour.
Citing a senior official, the daily said Prime Minister Saad Hariri did not object to actions taken by Rifi.
Suleiman met Shakkour late Wednesday and listened to his side of the story.
Al-Akhbar said Suleiman expressed solidarity with Shakkour.
Interior Minister Ziad Baroud, meanwhile, told Al-Liwaa newspaper in remarks published Thursday that the dispute within the ISF "is being properly handled."
"I will take appropriate action in a timely manner," Baroud stressed.
Al-Akhbar , however, quoted Baroud as rejecting "partial solutions."
Baroud has reportedly said that he would not accept any action taken against any officer, particularly Shakkour.
As-Safir said contacts led to an agreement to put the dispute on the shelf until Cabinet meets to discuss the issue after it gets a vote of confidence.