NNA - The Lebanese army and security forces plan to take all necessary measures to restore stability and peace to Tripoli, particularly after caretaker PM, Najib Mikati, asserted Saturday to his Grand Serail visitors that all political cover has been lifted off of those causing strife.



Voices have risen among certain political factions lately demanding caretaker Mikati and Tripoli ministers recoil following a series of violent clashes in the northern city.


"Full political cover to finalize the situation and restore calm to the city is available in parallel with the work of judicial authorities to bring perpetrators to justice, starting with the explosions in Tripoli and ending with the chaos and aggression against citizens."


Mikati downplayed any call for him to retreat, describing it as a form of faltering to assume his national responsibilities during difficult times.


"If the decision to back off would solve the conflict in Tripoli, we would not have hesitated; but, the national responsibility which we have undertaken along with the trust that Tripolitans have in us necessitate that we assume responsibility and persevere to solve the situation."


This was the core of Mikati's work, and all campaigns against him were futile attempts at impeding his work.


The caretaker premier held earlier today in Tripoli a series of security meetings for this very matter, and also convened with Acting Director General of ISF, General Ibrahim Basbous.


=============R.Z.