Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji stressed on Wednesday that the military is holding on to the Lebanese constitution and the National Pact regarding the country’s sovereignty, unity and democracy.

Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji stressed on Wednesday that the military is holding on to the Lebanese constitution and the National Pact regarding the country's sovereignty, unity and democracy.

In his Order of the Day to mark the 68th Army Day, Qahwaji said that the political dispute among the rival parties, saying it pressed politicians to take decisions in order to avoid vacuum.

“There wouldn't have been any fear of vacuum if the political life went on normally and disputes didn't govern ties between parties,” he stated.

“What happened recently should motivate us all to end the political and personal disputes that terminate our constitutional values and the Taif accord,” Qahwaji added.

He pointed out that the army is committed to maintain the “democratic heritage” in Lebanon by preserving the institutions.

Caretaker Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn issued on Wednesday an administrative decision to extend the mandate of Army chief General Jean Qahwaji for two years after the parliament failed to take such a move.

Qahwaji's term expires on September 23 when he turns 60 – the retirement age for army commanders.