Berri Abstaining from Any Public Appearance for 'Compelling' Security Reasons

Security reasons have been behind Speaker Nabih Berri’s absence from any public appearance, Ad-Diyar newspaper reported on Friday.

According to the daily, security agencies have been able to reveal new data regarding the assassination plot against Berri.

Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil, who is the speaker’s advisor, told the newspaper that Berri is refraining from appearing in public due to “compelling security reasons.”

Berri didn’t join the annual Iftar banquet held by AMAL on Thursday and he also didn’t attend the Iftar held by President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace on Wednesday.

Media reports said earlier this month that the al-Qaida terrorist network has offered a $300,000 reward for the assassination of Berri and Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji.

The speaker confirmed in June that he obtained a list of names of those who are plotting to assassinate him and several other politicians and figures, deeming it a serious and dangerous threat.

In January, security agencies urged Berri and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat to take precautions as they might be the target of an assassination plot.

Several politicians have allegedly been the target of murder attempts recently including MP Butros Harb, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and head of Tawhid Movement Wiam Wahhab.