Rasamny to Al-Arabiya: Plan to boost supervision at Beirut Port underway
NNA - Public Works and Transport Minister, Fayez Rasamny, on Thursday affirmed in an interview with Al Arabiya that 'the security situation at the Port of Beirut was under close monitoring by the Lebanese Army, its intelligence services, and customs, within continuous coordination among the competent authorities.'
Rasamny further explained that 'his latest visit to the port had been scheduled two weeks in advance, and it coincided with recent media allegations regarding security conditions, which prompted him to hold a meeting with the relevant security agencies, where he was assured that matters are under control.'
Regarding responsibilities within the port, the Public Works Minister clarified that 'security oversight of container entry falls under the jurisdiction of customs, followed by additional inspections carried out by army intelligence, while the port administration is solely responsible for operational and logistical supervision.'
In response to accusations that Hezbollah controls the port, Rasamny described such claims as 'dangerous and surprising,' questioning 'the timing of their emergence,' and stressing that 'all port personnel, from management to security services, are Lebanese and operate under the rule of law, and that any violation will be addressed according to proper legal procedures, with those responsible held accountable.'
Rasamny then revealed 'a comprehensive plan that's underway to enhance security measures at the port, including the installation of advanced inspection equipment (scanners) similar to those used at Beirut Airport, the establishment of a dedicated port security unit in coordination with the competent authorities, and a legal framework under study to modernize port management,' affirming that 'he is personally overseeing the plan's implementation.'
Separately, Rasamny expressed his optimism regarding the implementation of what is stated in the ministerial statement concerning Hezbollah's weapons, pointing to the government's commitment to what was declared by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister in this regard.
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