The Minister of Interior and Municipalities in the caretaker government, Bassam Mawlawi, confirmed: "We are ready for the municipal elections, and it is up to the Parliament to decide on extension or not." He pointed out in a conversation with "General Security" magazine that "the Syrian displacement requires a return plan, and a safe return for the displaced does not necessarily have to be voluntary." Mawlawi also noted that "Resolution 1701 is meant to protect Lebanon, not to target any Lebanese party."