Lebanese security forces thwart terrorist attack days before parliamentary elections: Minister

Caretaker Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities Nohad Machnouk says Internal Security Forces managed to foil a terrorist attack that was going to be carried out days before the parliamentary vote in the Arab country.

Speaking at a press conference in the Lebanese capital city of Beirut on Monday, Machnouk said the act of terror sought to target places of worship and military positions during the legislative polls in early May.

He added that the terrorist attack was uncovered after ten months of hard work by members of the Internal Security Forces Directorate under an operation, codenamed “Lethal Cheese”, stressing that terrorists had planned to conduct two massive bomb explosions.

“Lebanon is now safe for both its residents and visitors. We decided to publicize the operation to provide assurances that security is in a good condition in the country,” Machnouk pointed out.

The Lebanese interior minister further revealed that terrorists had recruited a Syrian citizen since 2013 to carry out the terrorist operation.

Lebanon's first parliamentary vote in nine years was held on May 6, with over 500 candidates vying for seats. Turnout was 49.2 percent, according to officials.

PressTV-'Aoun holds key to Lebanon govt. formation impasse'

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri says the solution to the government formation deadlock lies with President Michel Aoun.

According to official results, Hezbollah and its political allies secured over half the seats.

Hezbollah as well as groups and individuals affiliated to it won at least 67 seats in Lebanon’s parliament, according to the results cited by politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media.

Hezbollah's allies include the Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the Christian Free Patriotic Movement founded by President Michel Aoun.

The parliamentary seats are split evenly -- 64 for Christians and 64 for Muslims, including Druze, with the two halves further divided among 11 religious groups.

Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri has called on political parties to “show modesty” in their demands regarding the new government, emphasizing that he is not responsible for the serious delay.

PressTV-Aoun vows to resolve Lebanon govt. impasse

Lebanese President Michel Aoun says a solution would be found to the government formation stalemate.

“They are blaming me for the delay whereas each party is clinging to its stances and demands,” he told reporters on August 7 ahead of a meeting for the Future Movement’s parliamentary bloc.

“Everyone must display modesty and sacrifice for the sake of the country,” Hariri said.

Political rivalry led to years of governmental paralysis in Lebanon, and the country did not produce a state budget from 2005 until last year. 

The International Monetary Fund has said that Lebanon must urgently address its fiscal policy in order to sustain its high levels of public debt.

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