Aoun calls on security services to not tolerate attempts to undermine state

Lebanese President Michel Aoun called on Friday for the security services: “Not to compromise any attempt to undermine the sovereignty of the state, its institutions and its official headquarters.”

According to a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency, which Anadolu Agency obtained a copy of, these remarks came during a meeting of the Supreme Defence Council, chaired by Aoun.

Aoun also called on security services to cooperate with one another in order to take the necessary measures to control the security situation in the country, and maintain stability and civil peace.

The Lebanese prime minister, Hassan Diab, also stressed the necessity of intensifying mutual coordination between the various military and security agencies, to stabilise the situation and anticipate what he describes as “sabotage events”.

READ: Protesters disrupt Lebanon MP’s dinner two nights in a row

The Supreme Defence Council held a meeting at the request of Aoun at the Republican Palace, east of Beirut.

The meeting was attended by the prime minister, ministers of finance, national defence, foreign affairs and emigrants, interior and municipalities, economy, trade and justice.

The army chief and leaders of the military and security services were also present in the meeting.

Protests in Lebanon – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

Diab’s government will replace Saad Hariri’s, who resigned on 29 October, under the pressure of popular protests that took place in the country since 17 October.

Protesters demanded an independent and competent government, capable of tackling the political and economic situation in a country enduring the worst economic crisis since the Lebanese Civil War of 1975-90.

They also called for early parliamentary elections, the independence of the judiciary and the departure of the remaining ruling class, in addition to holding those they accuse of corruption and incompetence accountable.