Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister, Samir Moqbel, on Wednesday assumed his new post as the Minister of National Defense, in a handover ceremony held at the Ministry, in presence of Army Chief, General Jean Qahwaji.

The newly appointed Minister started his activities by meeting with the army commander. 

Following talks, Moqbel deplored the continuous series of explosions, confirming the determination of the military institution to face them. 

Meanwhile, President Michel Suleiman highlighted on Thursday the importance of the defense strategy in combating terrorism in Lebanon.

 “The measures taken on the ground to combat terrorism can be complemented by the resumption of talks on a national defense strategy,” the President said.

The talks that were started at the national dialogue table include a section on confronting terrorism, he explained after holding talks with acting General Prosecutor Samir Hammoud on the latest findings on the terrorist blasts that have taken place in the country.

“Discussing a defense strategy has become a necessity in order to limit the danger of terrorism and completely eliminate it from Lebanon,” Suleiman stated.

In addition, the President praised the security, military, and judicial authorities on their handling of terrorist cases.

The latest bombing to take place in Lebanon targeted the Beirut southern suburb of Bir Hassan on Wednesday.

Eleven people were killed and over 100 were wounded in the twin blasts that targeted the Hezbollah stronghold.

The al-Qaida-affiliated Abdullah Azzam Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it was aimed at pressuring the party to withdraw its members from Syria where they are fighting alongside the country's ruling regime against a rebel uprising.

Source: NNA; naharnet