In an exclusive interview with Radio Free Lebanon, caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities Bassam al-Mawlawi reassured all Lebanese that “the security situation is under control”, stressing that the security services are carrying out their duties to the fullest.

The minister called for distancing any government meeting devoted to addressing people’s urgent issues from sectarian rivalry and strife, declaring that “Muslims in Lebanon are more keen on the presence and role of Christians than the Christians themselves.”

Commenting on whether the municipal and optional elections will take place on time, the Minister of the Interior indicated that the ministry insists on achieving the constitutional and legal entitlements on time.

He stressed that “there are 110 municipalities out of the total number of dissolved municipalities in Lebanon, and preparations in the Ministry of Interior are ready, and on the first of February, the electoral lists will be announced.”

SOURCE: NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY