Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Friday condemned the helicopter shooting that killed a Lebanese officer.

On Thursday, gunmen brought down a military helicopter flying over the southern town of Soujoud, killing Captain Samer Hanna.

Talking to reporters at the Grand Serail after Friday prayers alongside Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Lebanon Abdul Aziz Khoja, Siniora described the event as a “painful” and “sad” incident that “should strengthen our will to strengthen the state and its institutions.”

“The compass must be pointed to the state, and the investigation to know the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice must be completed,” the PM said.

In response to a question on the possible appointment of a new army commander during Friday’s cabinet session, Siniora said, “This issue is up to Council of Ministers, and therefore any talk on the matter is only a pre-emptive opinion.”

Siniora denied that the cabinet would discuss the increase of salaries and wages, adding that subsequent meetings would handle wages in the public sector. Private sector wages continued to be a matter of discussion with officials in the private sector, he added.

Siniora also said he would support the reorganization of judicial positions. “I have stated more than once that these formations are carried out by the Supreme Judicial Council, and I remain committed to that position.”

The premier pointed out that talks at the Grand Serail next Tuesday would be dedicated discussing the situation in North Lebanon and particularly Tripoli, a northern city that has been the center of sporadic attacks on military regiments and personnel.

-NOW Staff