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Security plan for east Lebanon to be applied: minister

Xinhua, February 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

Lebanon's Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq said on Tuesday that a much-anticipated security plan for the eastern Bekaa Valley will be implemented in the coming days.

The plan will most likely be implemented over the weekend, al-Mashnouq told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat in an interview.

Around 1,000 Lebanese troops and 1,000 officers from General and Internal Security Forces are expected to clamp down on criminal activities in districts of Baalbek and Hermel.

The area is known to be a haven for car-theft gangs, drug dealers and kidnappers.

Al-Mashnouq revealed that he has also held several meetings with representatives of Palestinian factions in the southern refugee camp of Ain el-Hilweh, which is near the coastal city of Sidon, saying that "It is no longer acceptable for it to become a refuge for outlaws particularly those belonging to armed terrorist organizations."

On the recent campaign to remove banners and flags of different political parties from Beirut and several cities, the minister said "there is no going back on the decision now."

A decision by the ministry of interior has been carried out as of Saturday to remove all banners and flags representing the political parties in the country. Endit