Baabda: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Friday chaired a security meeting at Baabda Palace, attended by Defense Minister Michel Menassa, Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, Army Commander Rodolph Haykal, and the heads of Lebanon's security agencies. At the outset, President Aoun thanked the security services for their efforts over the past year in extending state authority across Lebanese territory and maintaining stability, noting that the recent economic improvement is linked to the security stability achieved. He particularly praised the measures taken during the visit of Pope Leo XIV, which contributed to the success of the visit.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Aoun stressed the importance of continued security readiness, close follow-up, and coordination, underlining that the coming phase requires additional efforts to further consolidate security. He also addressed the difficult living conditions faced by military personnel, noting that the Cabinet is considering improving military salaries in line with public-sector wages, and asked the defense and interior ministers to prepare the necessary studies.
Referring to the international conference to support the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces, scheduled to be held in Paris on 5 March, the president requested that security agencies prepare detailed reports on their needs to ensure the conference meets its objectives.
Security chiefs then reviewed achievements over the past year and plans for the current year. The Army Commander highlighted continued operations nationwide, particularly in the south, border control, and combating crime and smuggling. Internal Security Forces Director General Raed Abdallah outlined progress in crime reduction and traffic management, as well as increased personnel through recruitment drives.
State Security Director General Edgar Lawandos reviewed oversight work in public administrations and anti-corruption efforts. General Security Director General Hassan Shqeir briefed the meeting on the launch of a digital platform for citizen services starting in early April, coordination with the Foreign Ministry to install biometric equipment in embassies, and the voluntary return of more than 400,000 Syrian displaced persons since July 2025.
Separately, President Aoun chaired an educational meeting with Education Minister Rima Karami and Lebanese University President Bassam Badran to discuss the university's situation. He also met Central Inspection Authority head Georges Atiyeh.
Later, Aoun received the family of late MP Ghassan Skaff, offering condolences and paying tribute to his political and medical contributions, describing his early passing as a significant loss.