MP Faisal Karami warned the Lebanese state that if it does not address the living and economic conditions, the revolution will spread throughout Lebanon and will turn into an explosion.
The National News Agency reported that MP Faisal Karami clarified in an interview with Al-Jadeed TV that since 1992, Tripoli has been targeted by its political leadership, and it is intended to be used as it was in the past. However, what has changed is that the Tripoli community has weakened to the point that it can no longer be remedied. He noted that it is unfair to deal with the Karami family in governance as others are treated, explaining that if Tripoli was the head of the equation, everything found in Beirut was found in Tripoli during the time of Rashid Karami, from the Central Bank to the silos to the syndicates and others, emphasizing that the Karamis do not bear responsibility for what happened. He said, "As you know, when President Omar Karami, may he rest in peace, was in power, you were aware of all the situations that accompanied his rule. I, as an MP, bear my responsibility from my position, but I am not in a decision-making position."
Karami pointed out that Tripoli is a city suffering from deprivation, encirclement, unbalanced development, targeting of its political leadership, and marginalization for 30 years, considering it natural to reach what we witness today. He asked, "Tripoli wants the state, but does the state want Tripoli?" He indicated that it is not the responsibility of the wealthy and rich to improve the economic situation in Tripoli, but rather the responsibility of the Lebanese state.
MP Faisal Karami confirmed that if we do not address the causes, the revolution, if it does not start this week, will begin next week, stressing that this revolution will extend to all of Lebanon and will turn into an explosion. He added that the current scene shows a serious confrontation with security forces in Tripoli, and some speak of infiltrators and paid money, but we have no evidence. He considered the people's revolution to be a revolt against their choices, as they chose those who led them to a rentier economy and debt, noting that he does not hold solely the "Future Movement" responsible but also those who participated with it.
In response to a question about the shortcomings of the security forces, Karami stated, "No comment," emphasizing that there is no need for emotions at this stage, but rather that we need those who stand with us in this crisis, referring to the issue of aid for the people and demanding the largest share for Tripoli.
Karami stressed that President Najib Mikati is a man of state and institutions and that he did not intend what he stated, noting that he today saluted the Lebanese army, affirming his solidarity and gratitude to the army. He explained that as of this moment, there is no Turkish entry into Tripoli, and he went to Turkey to convey what Tripoli is suffering because we are an abandoned city. What we heard from the Turks, and President Hassan Diab also heard, is that they wish to help Tripoli through the Lebanese state only. He affirmed that there is no need to raise questions about the Turkish role, as Lebanon receives assistance from various parties and we have not heard talk of specific intentions.
The MP from Tripoli said, "We as the Karami family prefer death rather than having a drop of blood on our hands. I have personally faced an assassination attempt in the past, and President Karami, may he rest in peace, considered it a mistake that must be overcome for the sake of peace in the city." Karami emphasized that the Lebanese army and all security forces are responsible for maintaining restraint, as they are facing their own people and must return to the basics to address the causes to overcome all crises.
Karami addressed the Grand Mufti saying, "Oh Grand Mufti, there are others in the community besides Saad Hariri, there is poverty and hunger, yet we do not hear your voice unless it concerns Saad Hariri. There are endowments in Tripoli, and we are gathering to establish a fund for Tripoli under the supervision of Mufti Muhammad Imam, and we trust this man and his integrity."
He concluded by saying, "If my resignation would be of benefit, I would present it right now live," adding, "We specialize in resignations."
