NNA - Outgoing Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, confirmed on Tuesday that he did not intend to desist from his duties, stressing that it would not be in the interest of Tripoli, where tens were killed and injured in weekend clashes.



"I always keep positive and we must assume our full responsibilities. If refraining was advantageous to Tripoli, I would have been the first to do it," he told a press conference at his Tripoli residence.



Mikati has been facing calls by former Internal Security Chief, Ashraf Rifi, to keep off his premiership duties, as Tripoli was descending into rampant inter-fighting. Both Mikati and Rifi are natives of the northern city,


"Tripoli always maintains that there no other choice for it than the state itself," the Prime Minister corroborated, indicating that all sides are tampering with the city's security.


"As politicians, we confirm that there is no cover for any saboteur," he underscored, saying the army now holds the decision.


"The army is a considerable part of Tripoli sons. It will enter the city to protect civilians."



Tripoli was put last night under the control of the army, in compliance with an agreement reached at Baabda palace, during a security meeting President Michel Sleiman had chaired, with Mikati and Army Chief, General Jean Qahwaji, attending.


=============R.A.H.