The Lebanese Higher Defense Council stressed on Thursday the need to prevent arms smuggling in and out of the country, urging stronger measures in order to control the security situation in border towns.

The Lebanese Higher Defense Council stressed on Thursday the need to prevent arms smuggling in and out of the country, urging stronger measures in order to control the security situation in border towns.

A statement issued after the meeting said the Council asked security agencies to take stronger measures to fight terrorism and stressed cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

“The council stressed [the need to] prevent weapons smuggling to and from Lebanon ... curb violations ... and cooperate with UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] and the Drug Control Office,” said a statement read by the council’s Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Adnan Merhi.

It kept its decisions secret in accordance with the law but said in the terse statement that discussions focused on the security measures taken in the country.

The meeting in Baabda presidential palace was headed by President Michel Sleiman. It was attended by  Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel and other ministers, to discuss the security situation in the country.

Army commander General Jean Kahwaji, Internal Security Forces Director General Achraf Rifi, General Security chief General Abbas Ibrahim, State Security chief General George Qoraa and Army Intelligence commander General Edmond Fadel also participated in the meeting.