Higher Defense Council Urges Strong Measures to Prevent Arms Smuggling, Protect UNIFIL

The Higher Defense Council stressed on Friday consolidated measures to prevent arms smuggling and preserve the safety of U.N. peacekeepers deployed in the South.

The council, which met at Baabda palace under President Michel Suleiman, said in a short statement that “discussions focused on the security situation in the country in general and the role of the army, Internal Security Forces and the rest of security apparatuses in preserving the nation.”

It said that conferees agreed on “strengthening measures to preserve civil peace, prevent attempts to tamper with it and consolidate the prevention of transportation and smuggling of weapons.”

Last week, a truck loaded with arms was stopped at the Dabousiyyeh border crossing. The March 8 forces have accused the March 14-led opposition of transferring weapons to Syrian protestors.

“The council stressed on the consolidation of cooperation with UNIFIL and the protection of its movements in Lebanon,” said the statement.

Discussions also focused on the measures taken by several ministries and state institutions in helping Syrian refugees escaping the violence in their country.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Najib Miqati as well as Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel, Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi, Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas and Social Affairs Minister Wael Abu Faour.

Also present were Lebanon’s top security and military chiefs, including Army commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji and Internal Security Forces leader Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi.

Suleiman told the cabinet on Thursday that the council’s meeting is aimed at “taking the appropriate measures to implement the policy of the cabinet in defending and maintaining security.”