Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi in the caretaker government emphasized that the security plan is a necessity, and it is a topic requested by many politicians and citizens, clarifying that its goal is not to confiscate cars or motorcycles but to ensure the safety of citizens who have felt a loss of security. He mentioned that "the Traffic Department is a basic income for the state and during 2024, we collected 2521 billion for the treasury and confiscated 1654 motorcycles in the previous days."
Mawlawi stated in an interview with "LBCI": "The security forces dealt with citizens according to military professionalism as they should." He added: "The security forces did not enter the southern suburbs or any Lebanese area with firearms." He pointed out that "in the southern suburbs, drugs are distributed, and there are numerous violations."
He further stated: "We are waiting for tourists to visit Lebanon this summer, and we must prove that the situation is safe." The Interior Minister reminded that the Lebanese state is undergoing numerous problems on all levels and we must salute the resilient individuals in the security apparatus, noting that the financial distress experienced by the Lebanese has nothing to do with the security forces.
Mawlawi said: "Because the Lebanese are facing financial difficulties, we try to protect them from theft and ensure stability and security, and we do not target the poor at all." Regarding the reasons for the closure of the Traffic Department, he explained: "The reason is the pursuit of some employees there and due to a financial issue. I want to remind citizens that the Vehicle and Traffic Management Authority is a public institution, and I cannot impose any decision on it; the Traffic Department is open."
He added: "The Traffic Department is open on Saturdays and Sundays to process citizens' transactions." He confirmed that the centers in Aley and Ouzai will open soon to continue operations at all centers. He continued: "Regarding the driving license tests, we conducted examinations for driving committees and asked driving schools to fill out forms, and officers will inspect them, with these schools undergoing training at the Internal Security Forces Institute. Within a maximum of two months, citizens will be able to take the driving license exam."
Mawlawi clarified that car plates are available, but citizens do not inquire about them. Additionally, Mawlawi stressed that "there is great satisfaction among Lebanese regarding the security plan, which is ongoing." He affirmed, "We are determined to implement the laws and the Memorandum of Understanding of 2003 between Lebanon and UNHCR, and the message is not secret; I sent it to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who then summoned the high commissioner, and the message was withdrawn."
Mawlawi added: "We request support for Syrians in their land, not in Lebanon, because Lebanon is a temporary transit country, not a country for asylum," emphasizing that controlling the borders is a fundamental decision that must be made to prevent chaos and illegal Syrian displacement.
