Lebanese President Michel Sleiman stressed on Army Day the need to equip the army and support it, as he refused arm smuggling across border with Syria.
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman stressed on Army Day the need to equip the army and support it, as he refused arm smuggling across border with Syria.
“There is a pressing need to support the army and provide it with advanced weapons, as there is also an urgent need to lay down a defense strategy focused on the army,” Sleiman said during a ceremony for marking the army’s 67th anniversary at the Fayadieh barracks.
Sleiman refused turning Lebanese territories into a corridor for arms and gunmen and said the state will reject forcing the army into giving up its duties in any part of Lebanon.
He also voiced support to the army’s decision to bring to trial those who target the military.
“The judiciary should issue verdicts against those who targeted the army without any fear.”
He was referring to a decision by the military on Tuesday to prosecute al-Mustaqbal’s Akkar MP Moeen al-Merehbi for attacking the military establishment and slandering army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji.
On the other hand, the army is a fair and capable force that works in accordance with the law and “accepts being held accountable through legal means,” he said.
The military “protects and does not attack, it builds and does not destroy.”
The president also rejected the proliferation of illegitimate weapons in the country.
“No to arms spread randomly,” the president said as he called for steering Lebanon clear of the policy of regional axes and conflicts.
As for the Lebanese national dialogue sessions, Sleiman said: “The Baabda Declaration was issue] to emphasize that all parties are committed to keeping Lebanon away from any regional struggles.”