The Director General of the Ministry of Education, Imad Ashkar, announced from the governmental palace that "afternoon classes in public schools for non-Lebanese students will be stopped in compliance with the principle of equality." He stated, "We welcome all people and our hearts are open to everyone, but it is necessary for our children to learn, as well as the children of others. Therefore, we announce the suspension of afternoon classes for non-Lebanese students until a solution is reached regarding morning education."