Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi commended the efforts of the Lebanese army in the South. “We know that there is no salvation for the country except through its national army, whether in the South or elsewhere,” he said.
In an interview with “Al-Joumhouria” on Thursday, the minister insisted on the safety of the security personnel stationed at the border points, stating that all necessary measures are taken to protect them.
Regarding the security plan for Syrian refugees, he told the local newspaper that the plan started because of the increase in crimes. The minister stressed that the timing of this plan was determined by the need for citizens to “get used to respecting the rules and respecting security forces”.
“Consequently, the Internal Security Forces Directorate continues to implement the security plan, which has led to a significant reduction in the number of crimes across Lebanon,” he said, adding: “We have witnessed its effectiveness”.
On May 15, Mawlawi launched a plan aimed at maintaining security in Beirut. The ISF was deployed at the entrances to the capital as well as in the city’s main streets in order to control infringements.
Regarding prison overcrowding, the interior minister disagreed with the statement of caretaker Justice Minister Henry Khoury, who said in a television interview that one of the main reasons behind trial delays is a question of logistics.
Mawlawi brushed off any ambitions about becoming prime minister once a president is elected. “I don’t have a personal agenda. I am ready to work for the country wherever I am and, in any way, where I can make a difference,” he added.
