Beirut: Minister of Information, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, on Friday affirmed in an interview with "Radio Lebanon" that "the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon do not only target Lebanese territory, but also seek to undermine internal situation and create a rift and division among the Lebanese," stressing that "awareness and national unity remain the first line of defense in confronting these attempts."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Morcos said: "Freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Lebanon are safeguarded by the constitution and the applicable laws, and are among the pillars of the democratic system," stressing however that "this freedom does not mean infringing upon the post of the presidency of the Republic or any of the constitutional posts, but must be exercised within the legal and professional ethical frameworks."
The Minister of Information stressed "the need to stay away from the language of insults, personal offenses and hate speech," calling on media professionals to "adhere to the ethics of the profession and adopt responsible, fact-based criticism of public policies, given its fundamental role in protecting public discourse and preserving civil peace."
The Minister of Information concluded by stressing "the need to achieve a balance between freedom of expression and the rule of law, in a manner that serves the supreme national interest and safeguards Lebanon from any attempts to sow discord or division."