July 27, 2010 - Now Lebanon - Sakr sees no sedition, despite political tension over STL

After meeting Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea on Tuesday, Lebanon First bloc MP Okab Sakr said that despite the political tension over the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s (STL) pending indictment in the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, there is no climate for sectarian strife in the country.

“Today, we are going through a very sensitive phase at a state level. There are ideas proposed, some of which lead to tension, and others that serve national peace and the state-building project in Lebanon,” Sakr said.

His remarks come amid fears of sectarian strife over the STL’s indictment.

On July 16, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah accused the STL of being an “Israeli project” designed to target the Resistance by stirring up sectarian strife in Lebanon. Nasrallah’s speech has since caused strain and drawn harsh criticisms, mainly from March 14 alliance politicians.

Nasrallah later said that some Hezbollah members would be named in the STL’s indictment, which media reports said is expected to be issued before the end of the year.

The MP reassured the Lebanese there would be no sectarian conflict. “If there is a climate for sedition, the March 14 forces, including the LF, will work to prevent it at any cost by resorting to state institutions,” he added.

Sakr called on rival factions to maintain “a calm and balanced speech”, saying that the Lebanese should close ranks to face threats from the Israeli enemy.

The MP also stated that the STL would not be allowed to cause divisions in Lebanon.

“When we feel there is any attempt to manipulate the STL’s decisions, we will confront it before Hezbollah,” he said.