Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi vowed to object on a condition set by Syrian authorities which demanded the Lebanese state to “officially appeal Damascus for help” to engage in a prisoners swap with jihadists to guarantee the safe release of the abducted Lebanese soldiers and policemen.

Rifi stressed in comments to al-Liwaa newspaper on Wednesday that Syria's conditions are “completely rejected.”

Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi stressed on Thursday that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and al-Qaida don't exist in Lebanon, ruling out that jihadists established an Islamic "emirate" in northern Lebanon.

“Daesh and al-Qaida don't exist in Lebanon,” Rifi said in an interview published in the Saudi newspaper Okaz, holding Hizbullah responsible for the negative impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon after its involvement in the war raging in the neighboring country.

The founder of the salafist movement in Tripoli cleric Dai al-Islam al-Shahhal revealed on Monday that he will soon announce new defense tactics, pointing out that the army's confiscation of arms is being exaggerated.

“I will announce a new stage of defense,” Shahhal said in comments published in al-Joumhouria newspaper.

Hizbullah MP Nawwaf al-Moussawi rejected any comparison between the resistance fighters and militants linked to takfiri groups, calling on those who are seeking justice to act similarly.

“The attempt to level the arms of the resistance with those of the takfiris is unjust,” Moussawi said during a speech at an Ashura gathering on Saturday eve.

Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi lashed out on Sunday at Hizbullah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, considering that he is “clearly linked to the Iranian project in the region.”

“He (Nasrallah) is the main reason behind the growing modern terrorism, the growing sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shiites and the one behind terrorism and violence,” Rifi said in comments published in the Saudi newspaper Okaz.

Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi called on Saturday for the implementation of the security plan evenly in all Lebanese regions and confiscating weapons from these areas, as it is happening in Tripoli. He also denied rumors about his escort transferring weapons to Arsal and stressed his support "to the government and the state institutions.”

During his visit to ISF member Deeb al-Lahhab, Rifi commented on what was published by al-Akhbar newspaper about the arrest of al-Lahhab while transferring money to the gunmen in the outskirts of Arsal, which Rifi considered as “lies and slur.”

Prime Minister Tammam Salam said Monday that the Lebanese government is united in its support to the army and security forces in their battle with terrorists.

“The government is united behind the legitimate military and security forces in their battle with terrorists and (in their attempt) to restore security and safety to Tripoli and the North,” said Salam during a security-ministerial meeting at the Grand Serail.

Zahle MP Nicolas Fattoush denied on Thursday that he assaulted a female Justice Palace office worker earlier this week, saying the accusations against him were aimed at targeting his patriotic stances.

“I raised my voice at her but I did not hit her,” Fattoush said during a press conference he held to brief the public opinion about his dispute with Manal Daou, an officer who processes complaints at the Baabda Justice Palace.

Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi said that he will abide by the law regarding any swap between Islamist inmates held at Roumieh prison and the abducted soldiers and policemen, considering that their freedom and safety are more important than any price paid.

“We will abide by the law,” Rifi said in comments published in An Nahar newspaper on Thursday.

Justice Palace employee Manal Daou on Tuesday recounted to Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi the details of the assault she endured on Monday at the hands of former minister and incumbent MP Nicolas Fattoush.

The incident has stirred a storm on social networking websites, where activists and citizens vented their anger on Fattoush and expressed solidarity with Daou, especially that the MP was behind submitting a draft law to extend the parliament's term by 31 months, following the 17-month extension in 2013.