NNA - Caretaker National Defense Minister, Maurice Sleem, on Thursday met with acting Army Commander, Major General Hassan Audi, in his office in Yarzeh. 

Both men discussed the evolving situation in southern Lebanon and the implementation stages of the ceasefire arrangements, noting the Lebanese Army's deployment in areas previously vacated by Israeli forces, and its readiness to extend operations throughout southern Lebanon. 

Minister Sleem reaffirmed Lebanon's firm position on the necessity of Israeli troop withdrawal from southern territories by the ceasefire deadline of January 26. Additionally, Sleem met with MPs Nicolas Sahnaoui and Cesar Abi Khalil, with whom he reviewed the latest national developments.

=========R.H.