Aoun, Mikati Comment Following Tayouneh Ambush
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Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati officially comment on the Tayoueh ambush, which targeted peaceful protestors, killing and wounding dozens.
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Lebanon's President Michel Aoun sits inside the presidential palace on the eve of the first anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, in Baabda, Lebanon August 3, 2021 (Reuters)
Lebanese President Michel Aoun made an official comment on Thursday's event in Lebanon, which saw Lebanese Forces groups ambushing peaceful protestors and deliberately killing 6 of them while wounding nearly 37.
President Aoun decried the violence while underlining freedom of expression under the Lebanese constitution and within the Lebanese state.
"It is unacceptable for us to turn to violence, and the Lebanese state safeguards freedom of expression," he said.
Lebanon cannot withstand conflicts, and all problems must be solved within state institutions, especially the Council of Ministers, which President Aoun stressed must hold a session.
The president underscored that he would not allow today's events to happen again, and "We would not allow for anyone to take the country hostage to serve their interest."
"Today's scenes in Tayouneh were very painful to see, and they are unacceptable. I offer my condolences to the families of the victims who were shot by the criminals," he said.
Aoun recalled the days of the 1975 Civil War, as he said today brought back many memories he hoped Lebanon had moved away from.
He condemned what happened today and stressed the need for respecting the Lebanese state as the sole body responsible for dealing with similar problems.
The Lebanese president asserted that what happened today is not to happen again and that he would probe into the events.
Aoun underscored that the Beirut Blast remains as one of his utmost priorities and commitments to the Lebanese people and the international committee.
The government cannot interfere in judicial work, said Prime Minister Najib Mikati, urging the judicial system to cleanse itself in case of any flaws.
The Prime Minister also declared Friday the 15th of October as a national day of mourning.
The Lebanese National Army announced that it would continue its deployment in the area where the ambush took place, to assure that no further conflicts would take place.
