Self Protection Will Not Replace Government Entity
Prime Minister Fouad Saniora said on Thursday that "self protection, no matter how strong and big it grows, will not replace government entity."
He said that the government is working to solve the security situation in two ways: improving the capabilities of the army and security forces and reconciliation among Lebanese.
"We have to work together to rebuild civil peace," he told guests at the yearly iftar of the Makassed Association.
Everyone in the northern city of Tripoli wants the rule of law and a single leadership, he said.
"We insist on preventing manipulation of our security by any side," Saniora stressed.
He said at the iftar that the unity of the Lebanese "will help us overcome the most dangerous difficulties and threats."
National dialogue "will help us discuss all problematic issues in a calm and objective manner," he said.
The drafting of a national defense strategy "will top the meeting”s agenda," Saniora stressed.
The prime minister also said that the government will tackle the pay raise issue next week.
"We are determined to improve the living conditions of the Lebanese while taking into consideration the peculiarities of our economic system," Saniora said.
"We are determined to approve raises but at the same time we do not want to add burdens on the budget," he added.