LOC15:53
12:53 GMT
President Michel Aoun during the 72nd anniversary of the inception of Lebanon's General Security Directorate
BEIRUT, Aug 26 (KUNA) -- Lebanon is on the cusp celebrating the liberation of its eastern border with Syria and the restoration of security in the area, said its President Michel Aoun on Saturday.
In a speech to mark the 72nd anniversary of the inception of Lebanon's General Security Directorate, Aoun spoke of his country's resolve to fully reclaim its eastern border and protect Lebanon's sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Interior Minister Nuhad Al-Mashnuq said that protecting the nation's best interests is an integral part of state security and is incumbent upon all Lebanese.
The Lebanese army has launched an offensive against the so-called Islamic State (IS) close to the country's eastern border with Syria, where IS militants have been operating for years. (end)
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