Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Zeina Akar, affirmed in a statement on Wednesday that "the Lebanese Army and security forces are keen to protect the demonstrators and their right to peaceful expression, as well as the right of movement for citizens, in addition to protecting civil peace in the country."
"31 LAF soldiers have been injured as a result of the assault on them in the form of stoning and fireworks' tossing by some protesters during the demonstrations in Tripoli yesterday, in addition to damage to a number of mechanisms and equipment," she said, stressing that "Lebanese Army and security forces elements are the sons of the Lebanese people, and they perform their duties by maintaining security and stability and protecting public and private property."
"Therefore, the demonstrators and protesters must support them, not attack them," Akar went on, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded, and calling for "calm and prudence at this difficult stage."
On a separate note, Akar contacted by phone the Commander of UNIFIL, General Stefano Del Col, denouncing "the continuous land, sea and air violations by Israel against Lebanon, especially the recent seizure of the herd of livestock," stressing the need to open an investigation into the repeated attacks on Lebanese farmers.
Del Col assured the minister that he was actively following up on the matter.
TWEET YOUR COMMENT