BEIRUT: Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk Thursday held talks with Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun on the contentious issue of key security appointments.
"We discussed all the [potential] security appointments, particularly that of the Army commander and the chief of the Internal Security Forces, and other issues related to the ISF Information Branch,” Machnouk told reporters following the meeting at Aoun’s residence in Rabieh, north of Beirut.
“This is a critical security phase and we must act responsibly,” he said, describing Aoun as "patriotic" and eager to help his country.
Machnouk also said the primary responsibility of political leaders should be the preservation of the government.
A political impasse over appointments of top security posts has stoked fears that the standoff could lead to the demise of the government.