(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanon celebrated Army Day on Friday with politicians emphasizing the importance of preserving the strength of the Lebanese national army.
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri phoned Army commander General Jean Kahwagi stressing the need to support state sovereignty.
A statement by Hariri’s press office read:
“Hariri stressed the need to keep this national institution a haven for all Lebanese in the face of current challenges and a symbol of the monopoly of power in the hands of the state and its legitimate institutions. Today, every Lebanese feels a heartbreak, and so does the Army, with its command, officers and soldiers, for celebrating the day of the military institution in the absence of a president, whose position is still empty and vacant, just as the political leaders still lack the initiative to produce solutions and to put an end to the farce of the presidential vacancy.”
Speaker Nabih Berri saluted the Army’s leadership, expressing respect for the martrys who died while performing their duties.
Berri said supporting the Army and increasing and developing its military equipment was necessary to preserve the intuition’s strength. The leader also hailed “the Army’s handling of both the security and defense responsibilities,” as political difficulties continue to threaten stability.
“Safeguarding the security and stability of Lebanon and the region has proven vital to confront Israeli aggression and takfiri attacks threatening to divide the region,” he said.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam telephoned Defense Minister Samir Moqbel and Kahwagi, praising the Army’s efforts in “safeguarding the nation’s security and stability and enhancing unity among its people.”
He also expressed regret that Army Day was not marked by the annual celebration at the Military Academy this year due to the presidential void, which he said took away some of the day’s symbolism.
Salam called on all the country’s political parties to “put the nation’s interest above all considerations and to proceed to elect a president as soon as possible.”
Former President Michel Sleiman said he was confident Lebanon would safely overcome these difficult times.
“Lebanon’s unity and its immunity against extremism will prevail because of the people’s confidence in their Army,” he said during a meeting with a delegation of officers from the Army Command.