BEIRUT: A collection of civil society groups issued a joint statement Monday voicing support for caretaker Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud, condemning his critics and praising his endeavors, especially in the organization of parliamentary and municipal elections.
A statement released by the “Coalition of Civil Society Organizations” said Baroud and his ministerial team successfully partnered with civil society to overcome political and social hurdles which had previously impeded electoral reform.
“The supportive role of the Interior Ministry for the civil society’s campaign to implement a new parliamentary and municipal electoral law was a unique model and a positive precedent for cooperation between the government and civil societies to overcome political and social obstacles,” it said.
The statement by the coalition, encompassing 125 groups working with electoral reform, added that unlike its counterparts in the Arab world, the Lebanese Interior Ministry’s role was not only restricted to security issues but also offered public service.
“Interior ministries are known traditionally for their security role in the Arab region and the Interior Ministry has gained international awards earlier for its role in fighting terrorism and crime. But, the privilege is that the interior ministry … [also] gained the best public service award in 2009,” the statement said.
The coalition called on Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati to maintain the government’s commitment to cooperate with civil society groups and place the issue of electoral reform high on the agenda for any new cabinet.
“We also stress the need that whoever heads the Interior Ministry – irrespective of names – is an individual that is impartial and committed to partnership with the civil society, as well as committed to enforcing the achievements and accomplishments made during the past two years,” the statement said.
In implicit criticism of Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, who opposes the re-nomination of Baroud in the new government, the coalition condemned attempts by some political parties to target Baroud’s accomplishments at the interior ministry. –The Daily Star
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