Sleiman: Any attempt to breach security will be handled with firmness

President Michel Sleiman condemned Saturday the attack on the Lebanese army patrol in the area of Arsal on Friday, warning "those who dare to tamper with civil peace" that they will be brought to justice and duly punished.

The head of state requested that the army command has "zero tolerance towards those wishing to attack officers and soldiers." He demanded militancy in the pursuit of the attackers a.

Sleiman called on Lebanese citizens to support the army and security forces, adding that "any attempt to breach security will be handled with firmness and severity."

Earlier in the day, the President convened with Military Intelligence chief Brigadier General Edmond Fadel, who updated him on details of yesterday's attack. Sleiman also met at Baabda Presidential Palace with Minister of Health Ali Hassan Khalil.

A delegation of Irish and English officials also visited Sleiman and discussed with him the Syrian crisis and its impact on Lebanon, as well as the issue of the displaced Syrians and Palestinians who fled from Syria to Lebanon.

President Sleiman welcomed the delegation, pointing out that Lebanon cannot afford to receive further refugees because the situation exceeds the country's economic, security and demographic capabilities.