Lebanon’s caretaker Interior Minister Bassam al-Mawlawi announced on Thursday that the security situation in the country was “still stable”, revealing that his ministry has kicked off preparations to hold municipal elections in May. The minister met with parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, stressing that the security forces will continue to perform their duties around the clock to ensure the stability of the country. He said he briefed Berri on the preparations to hold the elections within their constitutional and legal deadlines. The ministry had announced the electoral lists on Wednesday. Mawlawi acknowledged some problems encountered by the municipalities. He vowed to Berri that he will take the necessary measures to facilitate pending municipal affairs in spite of the various crises Lebanon is experiencing. The minister later met with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abul Latif Derian, reiterating that the security situation was stable and underscoring preparations to hold the polls in May. The Interior Ministry is committed to the law and its application, stated Mawlawi. “All Lebanese people have the right to have municipal councils that serve them and work on addressing social affairs,” he remarked. Moreover, he stressed that the security forces have not wavered in carrying out their duties in spite of the crippling economic crisis that has dramatically impacted the value of their salaries. He highlighted the crimes and drug smuggling attempts that have been thwarted by the Internal Security Forces and its intelligence bureau.