Sleiman: Those who dare compromise people’s health must be punished

President Michel Sleiman met with Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil who briefed him on the latest developments regarding the counterfeit medications file. Sleiman congratulated the Ministry, stressing that perpetrators must sustain severe punishment “especially since they compromised the health of citizens without remorse." The President called on Khalil to follow up on this issue until the end through the Judiciary which began to issue arrest warrants against culprits involved in the case.     

Sleiman also received MP Bahia Hariri who briefed him on the situation in Sidon and its surroundings, in addition to efforts exerted to contain the situation and preserve stability.        

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly also visited Baabda to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in Lebanon and the region.        

Earlier on Tuesday, Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun met with the President at the Baabda Palace whereby he stressed the necessity of engaging in dialogue amid the current status quo. Aoun described the stance of March 14 in regards to boycotting dialogue and governmental meetings as “irrational and inappropriate.”       

Aoun reiterated that the current government is productive and “will not resign under pressure.”        

He reassured all parties that security remains stable, adding that the situation is not as bad as portrayed by some, despite some scattered incidents.