British Home Secretary Amber Rudd landed in Beirut on a brief visit to inspect the borders and the situation of Syrian refugees. Underlining the British governments commitment to support Lebanons stability, Rudd told Minister of Interior and Municipalities Nohad Mashnouq: “Lebanons security is that of Britains.” Rudd discussed with the interior minister latest regional and international developments and valued “the efforts of the Ministry in preparing for the parliamentary elections.” She listened to a brief explanation of the logistical and administrative preparations, and asked about the representation of women in this year’s elections. Machnouq explained that the coming round would see a greater representation of women, which would encourage voters. On a different note, the British Home Secretary praised Machnouq’s endeavor to enhance aviation safety. The minister, for his part, emphasized that enhancing airport’s safety and security has been a priority for the Ministry for more than three years, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works. Emphasizing British support and very fruitful cooperation with the Lebanese security forces, Machnouq told his British counterpart that the country’s security services have succeeded in fighting terrorism and eliminating dormant cells. In this regard, Machnouq underlined “three reasons for this success, namely the ability of the security bodies to collect and analyze information, vigilance and dedication of security officers, and the absence of an environment favorable to terrorism in Lebanon.” On the situation of Syrian refugees, the Lebanese minister stressed that the recent government’s decision to facilitate the registration of Syrian newborns in Lebanon would help organize a smooth return of the refugees to their country when the time is appropriate.