Caretaker Minister of National Defense, Maurice Sleem, on Friday stressed ‘the need to beware of the dangers accompanying this stage, especially in light of the various security incidents being witnessed in different Lebanese regions.’However, Sleem affirmed that the Lebanese Army and security forces ‘constitute a guarantor of security and stability, especially amid these delicate circumstances that the nation endures; they are always ready to carry out their national duty, regardless of the challenges and sacrifices.’The Minister of Defense’s words came during a meeting with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Clément Nyaletsossi Voulé, who visited him with an accompanying delegation.The meeting reportedly discussed the status of civil liberties, especially the freedom of assembly, with a clarification of Lebanon’s compliance with its international obligations in this regard.In this context, Sleem stressed that ‘Lebanon is one of the foundi
ng members of the United Nations and is a contributor to the drafting of the Charter of Human Rights; thus, it is committed to what is stipulated in all the international laws and agreements that are related to human rights.’Moreover, the Minister of Defense stressed that ‘the army, in its duties, adheres to all the Lebanese and international laws that protect public freedoms, especially the freedom of expression.’
Source: National News Agency-Lebanon