ISF calls off annual festivities again, holds low-key events
The Internal Security Forces (ISF) did not hold their typical annual celebration on Monday to commemorate Internal Security Forces day, which falls on June 9. The cancellation was due to the difficult security issues faced by the country and the demands placed on various sectors of the ISF, according to an ISF statement.
The ISF held two small events, at Dbayyeh and Warwar, where ISF head General Ashraf Rifi addressed the force.
"We are very pleased with the election of President Michel Sleiman, because he understands the role and importance of security," said Rifi. "We anticipate the formation of a new cabinet and a new national agreement on which the ISF will depend for all its needs … to be able to accomplish its role fully."
Rifi thanked the prior government for "doing everything it could to help out this organization in different areas."
The security force head also thanked those countries which have "contributed to advancement of ISF programs through training and equipment."
Internal Security Forces day has been cancelled each of the past four years, which Rifi said was because of the volatile security events that had taken place in Lebanon during each year.