Sleiman: Security forces are doing their job

President Michel Sleiman said on Monday that Lebanon must not be considered as a “troubled country” despite some incidents. “The situation has not become chaotic; we are the best country in the region”, he affirmed.     

Sleiman added that security forces and the LAF in particular are not disregarding the sporadic security incidents, adding that the law against perpetrators has entered into force. “I trust the LAF Command and I am confident it will take the appropriate legal measures to maintain public order”, he said.           

Sleiman stressed on the importance of civil peace, adding that the Lebanese must live together in an atmosphere of coexistence and under the protection of the security and military apparatuses. “As for the issue of weapons across cities and towns, it should be tackled through dialogue”, he exclaimed.        

On the March 14 memorandum, Sleiman considered that  any memorandum that is submitted to him should not be published or leaked in advance. "The memorandum I received was political and targeted the government”, he stressed.          

Sleiman revealed that in regards to the case of former Minister Michel Samaha, the judiciary was not threatened, and congratulated the ISF for seizing the explosives.         

Concerning the 2013 upcoming elections, the President announced that there is an intention to discuss the electoral law endorsed by the cabinet in Parliament.

Commenting on the Pope's visit to Lebanon, Sleiman stated that Pope Benedict XVI is adamant on visiting Lebanon and  that the Vatican reassured him that the situation is safe.