Minister of Interior and Municipalities Nuhad Machnouk stressed that "the parliamentary elections will be conducted on time, despite the political dust around it," pointing out that "there is no serious political desire from any team to postpone the election."

He also stressed that the official position of the government as to the return of displaced Syrians was in favor of "their safe return under international laws."

Minister Machnouk made these remarks as he welcomed at his office the French ambassador to Lebanon, Bruno Faucher. The meeting touched on the latest local developments, and the region's issues.

The Interior Minister praised the strong Lebanese-French relations, and "France's support for Lebanon as well as its positive role in backing the Lebanese Army and the security services."

In this context, the pair tackled preparations underway for the Rome Conference 2 devoted to supporting the Army and security forces, and strengthening their capabilities in combating terrorism.

For his part, the French ambassador highlighted his country's support for the dissociation policy, noting that "Lebanon is the main beneficiary of France's assistance to countries of the region facing the consequences of the war in Syria."

He pointed out that "there is no clear indication that the issue of the return of displaced person is on the Syrian regime's list of priorities."

Ambassador Faucher also relayed to Minister Machnouk an official invitation to participate in Milipol 2017 (International Exhibition of Innovative Equipment and Technologies for Internal Security) to be held in Paris in November

Source: NNA