Berri: Blocking airport road to be severely punished

BEIRUT: Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warned of severe punishment for anyone who blocks the road leading to the airport, saying the Lebanese Army has clear directions to prevent this phenomenon, whatever the price, in remarks Wednesday. Berri also addressed renewed armed clashes in north Lebanon, saying the fighting was part of the repercussions of the Syrian crisis. Speaking to An-Nahar, the speaker said: “We will cut off the hand of everyone who blocks the airport road, regardless of their cause.” In the past months, the phenomenon of blocking the road leading to the Rafik Hariri International airport has gradually increased, disrupting movement along the vital street as well as airport traffic. The road-blocking along with threats against some foreign nationals in the country prompted many countries, including Gulf ones, to advise their citizens against traveling to Lebanon. Kuwait has evacuated almost all of its citizens from Lebanon. Berri also said that “the army has clear directions to prevent road-blocking and provide a safe environment for travelers and citizens.” In separate comments to As-Safir, Berri added that the army has a blank check to prevent the road from being blocked again, whatever the price. As for the armed clashes in Tripoli that have killed at least eight people and wounded over 70, including 11 soldiers in the past two days, Berri described the events as part of the repercussions of the 17-month old conflict in neighboring Syria. “Someone seeks to use the country as headquarters or a pathway to carry out his policies,” Berri told An-Nahar, without directly accusing anyone. From DailyStar