Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat phoned Interior Minister Ziad Baroud "to express solidarity and to urge respect for the organizational hierarchy in ministries", adding that it was important "not to trespass that rule in any ministry for the work of institutions to be orderly."
Earlier, Baroud denied reports that he would submit his resignation against the backdrop of the squabbling between the leaderships of the Internal Security Forces and Police.
"I am just calling for the implementation of the law on everyone without any exception. It is unnatural for a director-general to ignore the orders of the minister no matter who that director-general is," Baroud told An Nahar daily in remarks published Saturday.
Baroud had expressed frustration over ISF chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi”s decision to suspend Police commander Brig. Gen. Antoine Shakkour for failing to obey orders.