‏Moqbel, Qahwaji Discuss Security Situation with Hizbullah Delegation

Talks between Defense Minister Samir Moqbel, Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji and Hizbullah officials focused on the latest security developments and the security plans being implemented by police and the military, al-Joumhouria newspaper reported Friday.

The meeting took place at the defense ministry in Yarze on Thursday. The Hizbullah delegation included MP Mohammed Raad and the party's official Wafiq Safa.

Al-Joumhouria quoted informed sources as saying that the two sides discussed the security developments, mainly in the northeastern border town of Arsal, and the security plans being implemented across Lebanon.

The plans were mainly activated in the aftermath of the dialogue that was launched between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal movement under Speaker Nabih Berri's sponsorship in Ain el-Tineh in December.

The sources did not confirm if the talks focused on plans to extend the mandate of security officials.

Raad only stressed that the Hizbullah delegation discussed with Moqbel “issues which interest the security and stability of this country.”

“We are all keen on preserving our country,” the lawmaker said.