Security Source: Suleiman's Stance on Samaha Case Very Encouraging for ISF

President Michel Suleiman's praise for the Internal Security Forces in their seizure of the explosives that ex-Minister Michel Samaha had transported to Lebanon from Syria was very encouraging, a security source said Sunday.

“The president's remarks were very comforting,” the source told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat.

“This stance is very encouraging, it lifts the morale of the security agencies and gives them greater confidence in carrying out their role in protecting the country and its stability,” the source said.

Suleiman rejected on Saturday to retract his praise for the ISF on their efforts in Samaha's case.

He also congratulated Interior Minister Marwan Charbel, who is the head of the force, on the seizure of the explosives which could have led to the loss of hundreds of lives had they exploded.

Samaha, Syrian National Security Bureau head Ali Mamlouk and a Syrian officer identified as Brig. Gen. Adnan were charged on Aug. 11 with plotting to assassinate political and religious figures in Lebanon and carry out terrorist attacks.