The head of the “Lebanese Youth Movement,” Elie Saliba, issued a statement commenting on what is being circulated in local and foreign media regarding the alleged Saudi prince “Abu Omar” case, and what it revealed of details that harmed the reputation of Lebanon and the Lebanese people as a result of the actions of some who were supposed to be up to the responsibilities they hold.
Saliba affirmed that questioning the ongoing investigations into the “Abu Omar” case is nothing more than an attempt to disrupt the course of the investigation, pointing out that all investigations conducted by the Intelligence Directorate of the Lebanese Army are carried out in accordance with legal procedures, away from any pressure, and under the supervision of the competent judiciary, taking into account the provisions of Article 47 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, noting that Sheikh Khaldoun Oreymat was heard in the presence of a lawyer.
He stressed that attempts to deny the involvement of some parties in paying money will not change the reality of what happened, as investigations confirm that figures aspiring to play political roles or reach advanced positions paid money to “Abu Omar” in order to communicate with the Kingdom through unofficial channels, in blatant violation of the customs and diplomatic protocols adopted between countries.
Saliba called on the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation to take a decision to publish the investigations through the media, to inform the public of the truth of what happened, and to show the extent of the naivety shown by some parties claiming or aspiring to leadership, stressing that the Lebanese citizen has the right to know that some of those who gave them their trust over the years were nothing more than a group driven by lust for power, ignorant of the simplest diplomatic rules, and ready to be managed over the phone without any regard for dignity or the interest of the Lebanese people.
He also called on the judiciary to take the necessary judicial measures against everyone proven to be involved in this file, whether briber or bribed, and to confiscate the money paid for the benefit of the public treasury, especially for the benefit of the Lebanese army, which uncovered this case.
Saliba concluded by calling on everyone who holds an official position today and in whose ascent to it or continuation in it “Abu Omar” had a role, whether large or small, in addition to everyone who is proven in the investigations to have tried to circumvent official channels and deluded themselves into being able to buy off consciences in Saudi Arabia as they do with some in Lebanon, to isolate themselves from public work and retire from politics, in order to preserve what remains of their dignity and reputation.
