Defense minister emphasizes the importance of coordination between security services

Defense Minister Michel Menassa met on Saturday with the director of State Security, General Edgar Lawandos, to discuss the importance of coordination between security services, reports the National News Agency.

The minister expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by General Lawandos since he took office, particularly regarding "maintaining security and stability, and upholding professional and patriotic principles in the face of various challenges." He commended the role of State Security in "maintaining national security," emphasizing the importance of "coordination between security services to improve performance and develop working mechanisms that meet the demands of the situation."

Edgard Lawandos represents Lebanon on the committee in charge of implementing the cease-fire established on Nov.27, 2024, between Lebanon and Israel, following the thirteen-month war triggered by Hezbollah. He has worked with the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stationed in South Lebanon. He speaks Arabic, French, English, and Russian. The officer succeeded General Antoine Saliba, who was implicated by Judge Tarek Bitar for dereliction of duty, leading to the deaths of hundreds following the explosion that rocked the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020.