NNA - Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri compared the wound caused by the assassination a year ago of the chief of the Internal Security Forces Intelligence Branch, Brigadier General Wissam Al-Hassan, to the wound caused by the assassination of Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.


He pointed out that this assassination came as a result of Al-Hassan’s role in uncovering the Michel Samaha - Ali Mamlouk network, and of the accomplishments of the Intelligence Branch in uncovering several Israeli espionage networks as well as terrorists plots against the country. Hariri underlined his determination to follow up this case, to uncover and prosecute the murderers and those behind them.


Hariri took these stances during a special episode of Inter-Views program broadcasted this evening on Future Television for the first commemoration of the assassination of Brigadier General Al-Hassan.


Premier Hariri reiterated his condolences to al-Hassan’s widow, children, family and comrades, and paid tribute to them. He said, "This commemoration opened significant wounds because Wissam was a brother and a friend to me and we were always in touch due to the nature of his work, and we used to consult on various issues. We give constant attention to this heinous crime. We always called for justice and for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon regarding the assassination of Premier Rafik Hariri, and now we have the same demands regarding the assassination of Brigadier General Al-Hassan. We have full confidence in the Tribunal, and no one should think that those who assassinated him will get away with it no matter what."


He added, "For me, the assassination of Wissam trespassed many red lines, and he was targeted because of his belief in the path of Rafik Hariri and because of his success and great achievements at the head of the Intelligence Branch, whether in uncovering the Mamlouk-Samaha network or in pursuing and arresting several Israeli and terrorist networks. We know who their friends are, and who killed him, and they will be punished sooner or later although they feel very strong today."


He pointed out that Al-Hassan faced the most heinous political and media campaigns, and the Intelligence Branch is still targeted, but it will go on and continue the institutional work he established in it. "We hope that those who are in charge of the Branch will be able to achieve the same accomplishments, as their action is based on the work of institutions that serve the State and its project and do not serve particular persons or parties."


He said that neither he nor Wissam ever thought that Wissam’s work was in the interest of the Future movementor any person.


"Martyr Al-Hassan was working on instituting within the Branch a professionalism that did not exist in Lebanon and he succeeded in his mission."


Hariri praised the morals and patriotism of Al-Hassan and said, "Wissam was a very ethical man and a man of institutions. They fought him because he was working to build the state. I was always in contact with him; we would consult on all things, and at all political stages: during the parliamentary elections in 2009 and prior, during my visit to Syria and other matters. Sometimes we would argue and sometimes we would agree on the issues raised. Wissam was frank; he would say things as they are even if I or other people did not like his opinion. He did not flatter anyone and was always sincere."


Hariri concluded at the end of the interview that he would soon return to Lebanon. He said that the assassination of Al- Hassan showed once again that the criminals are targeting symbols in Lebanon, and therefore his return was postponed.


"Many don’t want me to return, but I will, and I hope that Lebanon will again be as it was, and as Rafik Hariri, Wissam Al-Hassan, Pierre Amin Gemayel and all the martyrs of the Cedar Revolution wanted it to be."



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