Refugees cause crime rise

The Lebanese Interior Minister Beirut - Riyad Shuman The Lebanese Interior Minister, Marwan Charbel, in an interview with Arabstoday, observed that the recent rise in crimes witnessed in Lebanon is linked to the heavy Syrian exodus to Lebanon. Meanwhile, he stressed that he would not agree to an electoral law being issued just  two months before the parliamentary elections planned in 2013, hoping that discussions about this law will not witness controversial debate as has happened in the past. Charbel confirmed  that the death of an al-Jadeed channel cameraman, Ali Shaaban, who was shot dead by the Syrian army inside the Lebanese borders, will be reviewed by the cabinet, adding  that President Michel Sleiman had contacted Syrian officials demanding their explanation for this incident. Arabstoday: What about the new electoral law and the controversies surrounding it? MC: As Interior Minister, I need to know everything about this law at least six months before the parliamentary elections planned for the summer of 2013, not two months before the planned elections. It will be frustrating to witness the same lengthy debates which are typical when discussing any law. Let's agree a draft whatever is it, as the most important thing is that upon reaching the elections date,  we should have a clear understanding of the law by which these elections will be managed, so the Interior Ministry can fulfill its duties. There will be foreign observers monitoring these elections, plus the Lebanese voters abroad are supposed to vote from the countries they are living in, so it is very important to issue the law as quickly as possible, to allow time for the required preparations. I need to know everything about this law at least six months in advance. Arabstoday:  Didn't you fear that your demand will add a new problem to the government, while it can barely sustain the problems it already suffers? MC: Why would this law result in any problems? Isn't democracy present in this country? All I ask is to know in advance about the law we will follow in 2013. I am not insisting on adopting any certain draft. Arabstoday: Which model do you prefer for the electoral law? MC: The proportional model, as it insures a more truthful representation for the Lebanese people. The proportional model guarantees every party gains seats according to the ratio of its voters to the total votes, while in the majority model, the party that ensures the majority of votes, even by only one vote, wins all the seats in  his region, so how are those who voted for the other parties represented? Arabstoday: If proportional representation is not adopted, do you think that the 1960 law will be re-adopted? MC: They can adopt the 1960 law or whatever they agree, but this must be done as quickly as possible to make enough time for preparations. Arabstoday: The Lebanese border areas is unsettled due to what is happening in Syria, can your ministry handle a security crisis there if it happens during the elections? MC: Regarding the elections we have to make first that we are done with the logistic and technical preparations, as for the security preparations, it have to be conducted all the time, as we are aware of the security threats coming through the Syrian borders. Arabstoday: The previous parliamentary elections witnessed several defects, is there a change in the next one? MC: We have already started to act towards these files, the voting lists have been fixed, and we have signed with a French company, to send new identity cards to Lebanese citizens, and this operation will start soon. Arabstoday: What about the expatriates votes? MC: The draft law which I have suggested gives all citizens living abroad the right to vote through Lebanese embassies and consulates in their countries. Arabstoday: The average crime rate has risen recently, is this related to what is happening in Syria? MC: Of course it is, this rise is related to the heavy Syrian influx to Lebanon, and the majority of these crimes are committed by Syrian fugitives who are in need for money. Arabstoday: What happened with the administrative appointments' file? MC: As an Interior Minister I wait for nobody, I will sign the governors' and deputies' appointments soon, with coordination with the Administrative Development Minister, Mohammed Fneish, as those positions should not remain vacant while the country is about to witness parliamentary elections.