BEIRUT: Ireland’s Defense, Justice and Equality Minister, Alan Shattar, stressed that Lebanon needed to maintain political stability, during a meeting with Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn Tuesday.

“Lebanon is currently stable having been through many difficult times in past years. Notwithstanding some current domestic political difficulties, the clear perception I have from my discussions is of a government that is keen to maintain the current stability,” Shattar said after the meeting.

“I believe it is important that the international community is constructively engaged in assisting the Lebanese government to maintain that stability, conscious of the threats posed by the continuing conflict in Syria.”

Discussions between the two ministers focused on issues facing the country, including the need to accommodate Syrian refugees, the potential impact of Syria’s conflict on Lebanon’s political and security situation and June’s parliamentary elections.

Shattar told Ghosn discussions were taking place between EU justice ministers about the refugee crisis and that they were committed to providing assistance to Syria’s neighbors. They also discussed UNIFIL’s role in South Lebanon.