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Security Remains a “Red Line” Despite Political Turmoil
The security situation should remain a "red line" despite political differences, and it should not be affected negatively no matter how long it takes to form a new government, said Interior Minister Ziad Baroud.
"My visit to Sheikh Hassan comes as part of several (Eid al-Fitr) visits to religious and spiritual leaders who are worried about the country”s situation," said Baroud following his visit to Druze Spiritual Leader Sheikh Naim Hassan in Verdun Tuesday.
Regarding the latest security fears and concerns, Baroud stated "we should not exaggerate in reassuring people, we should not frighten them as well."
Baroud added that although the security situation in the country is tightly controlled, and a great effort is being spent on enforcing the army and the internal security forces, the security efforts should be accompanied by internal solidarity and a separation between the political and security situations.
About the alleged foreign interventions in forming the Lebanese government, Baroud said: "This situation dates back to Baghdad Pact and the Cold War, international circumstances that pressured the situation in Lebanon have always existed, but that should not deny the fact that we have an internal role and a common responsibility that all political parties should practice in favor of Lebanon before anything else."