Change and Reform Reveals 'Positivity' in LF Talks, Lauds Roumieh Operation

The Change and Reform parliamentary bloc announced Tuesday that there are “positivities” in the dialogue that got underway with the Lebanese Forces, hailing the security operation that put an end to the so-called “terrorist operations room” at the Roumieh prison.

“The bloc encourages dialogue between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal (movement) and the other dialogue between the bloc and the Lebanese Forces,” the bloc said in a statement issued after its weekly meeting and recited by former minister Salim Jreissati.

“The dialogues have led to positivities and we want to capitalize on them because the approach of dialogue must be endorsed in a country going through a severe crisis,” the bloc added.

Dialogue between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal had kicked off on December 23 between the two parties and officials from both sides have said it is making progress on several topics.

Preparatory meetings are underway between the Free Patriotic Movement and the LF to pave the way for launching a similar dialogue between FPM leader Michel Aoun and LF chief Samir Geagea.

Separately, Change and Reform lauded the security operation that was carried out Monday at Roumieh prison's notorious block B.

“The security plan in Roumieh came late, which is better than never, and we had been waiting for it since 2007,” said the bloc.

“We laud the work of the interior minister who exploited the right moment, but his mention of the political decision means that the principle of protections had reigned in the prison,” the bloc noted.

On Monday, security forces took full control of Roumieh prison's block B after storming the overcrowded facility and seizing illegal items from Islamist prisoners, who were all transferred to block D.

“When there is a political will, the security forces and the army can act in a heroic way and they would execute all the orders,” Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq announced after the operation.

Change and Reform also said it “highly appreciates the noble stance of Jabal Mohsen's residents” in the wake of the twin suicide bombing that killed nine and wounded 37 others in the Tripoli neighborhood.

“It is a stance that must always be taken during such events. The pacification of the situation was a responsible stance as well as the full-scale condemnation by all of Tripoli's residents,” the bloc added.

Addressing the issue of several deadly shootings that happened in recent weeks, Change and Reform said “the crimes of Btedei, Zahle, Faraya and Kasslik resulted in the death of innocent civilians and all protections must end.”

“The judiciary must take charge of the cases and the suspects must be arrested,” it said.

Turning to the issue of the waste management file, the bloc said the issue has reached “a transitional plan, which is still on paper.”

“We hope to reach tangible results. We hope the landfills will be distributed at all districts if municipalities receive the needed funds,” it added.

On Monday, the cabinet approved a three-month renewable extension of operations at the controversial Naameh garbage landfill, following a lengthy debate that lasted several hours.

Y.R.