BEIRUT: The Future bloc said Monday that it is set to submit a law that calls for a developmental council and a special fund dedicated to north Lebanon in light of last week's clashes, while also condemning the widespread deployment of armed forces in Beirut’s neighborhoods on the occasion of Ashoura.
"We are going to deliver an urgent law that calls for the formation of a development council and the creation of a special development fund for Akkar and north Lebanon," read a statement published after the bloc's weekly meeting.
In light of the extensive damage the clashes have caused in north Lebanon, the area has witnessed “economic recession, unemployment, poverty and deprivation,” the bloc said.
According to the bloc, the only viable solution to this crisis would be the formation of a development council for both north Lebanon and Akkar that would oversee the acquisition of funds needed for developmental and economic projects.
The bloc also lauded the citizens of Tripoli for foiling a plot that aimed to pit area residents against the state.
“The city of Tripoli has proven once again that it is a city of moderation and a city of respect for the rule of law,” the statement read.
It also hailed the Cabinet for its LL30 billion ($20 million) pledge to rehabilitate Tripoli, while also praising Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri for matching the donation to help the north.
The bloc called for a swift transfer of the aid, and urged a quick implementation of developmental projects planned for north Lebanon.
The Future bloc denounced the "armed partisan presence” in some neighborhoods of the capital and Beirut’s southern suburbs, who were deployed “under the pretext” of maintaining security during Ashoura, the statement read.
These measures, according to the bloc, increased tensions and “further marginalized the role of the state and its military and security forces, since security measures must be solely and exclusively the responsibility of official military and security forces.”
The Lebanese Army killed 23 militants during a four-day battle last week with Islamists in Tripoli and other parts of the north. Eight civilians and 11 soldiers were also killed in the violence.
The Army later issued a statement warning militants to surrender, or be hunted down. More than 300 suspects have been arrested so far during military raids in various parts of north, east and south Lebanon.
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