NNA - Following his meeting with President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace this evening, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed his rejection of the attacks on public and private property, noting that "freedom of expression has nothing to do with what is happening in the street."

He stressed "the necessity of strict enforcement of the law and the prosecution of all those who have infringed on the security forces."

Salam affirmed that efforts will continue to mobilize all diplomatic and political support for Israel's withdrawal, emphasizing that "UNIFIL is a factor of stability in the south and we need it. Attacking it is a crime against Lebanon, and whoever thinks that what happened will hasten the Israeli withdrawal is mistaken."

He continued to underline that "the safety and security of Beirut Airport is above all considerations, and we will not tolerate any breach of its security."

"We are communicating with the Iranian authorities regarding the Iranian plane to secure the return of the Lebanese to Beirut," Salam disclosed, adding, “We offered to send two Middle East Airlines planes to return the Lebanese from Tehran, and if this step could not be implemented, the Lebanese state pledged to secure their return at its own expense.”

==========R.Sh.