Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati denied on Wednesday recent information that al-Qaeda terrorist group has any presence in Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati denied on Wednesday recent information that al-Qaeda terrorist group has any presence in Lebanon.

He said before reporters: “We don’t have solid evidence that al-Qaeda is present in Arsal.”

He made his comments in reference to Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn’s recent statements that the group had entered the Bekaa town and later infiltrated Syria.

The minister said that he had received some information of such a development, to which Miqati noted: “Talk of such information does not mean that they are actual facts.”

“Such a critical issue should not be addressed in a manner that may harm Lebanon,” stressed the premier.

The security authorities that have been charged to verify Ghosn’s allegations will provide the Lebanese with the truth in the matter, he added.

“The army is doing its utmost in protecting the border with Syria,” he stated.