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On Army Day, Aoun Pledges Full Political Support | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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President Michel Aoun meets with a delegation from the Lebanese Army at the Baabda Palace on Tuesday (Dalati & Nohra)


Beirut – Lebanese President Michel Aoun said there would be no retreat in the face of terrorism in all its aspects and organizations.

“The Lebanese army along with the security bodies will be in permanent readiness to confront threats. Lebanon has been a pioneer in its war against terror; our army has confronted terrorism in successive combats and succeeded in strengthening the political and security stability in the country and in stabilizing peace in our southern borders,” Aoun said, addressing graduate officers in a ceremony to mark Lebanon’s Army Day.

“The risks that threaten our nation are numerous along the borders and inside the country. The experience of the seventies taught us that no nation remains united if its army is paralyzed,” he stated.

The president underlined the need for the Lebanese to unify ranks in order to overcome all challenges ahead.

“The challenges that our nation and our society are facing impose on us, more than any time before, to be united. You and your brothers in arms in the other security forces should work together for the same purpose: to protect Lebanon, secure its borders, its internal security and the rule of law therein,” he said, addressing the military officers.

Later on Tuesday, Aoun received a delegation of senior Army officers, headed by Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.

In remarks, the president said that political cover to help the Lebanese Army carry out its duties had been provided to the institution by all Lebanese officials.

“The military command is urged to take initiatives on the ground, especially in the frame of preemptive measures to protect Lebanon from terrorism,” he stated.

For his part, the Army commander told Aoun: “We are aware of the size of the economic, social, and political responsibilities at this delicate stage in Lebanon, but in return, we appreciate your reasonable mind, long and vast experience, and determination to address all the national problems; the last few months of achievements are the best proof of that.”

“Security and stability, as we all know, are the solid foundation upon which any economic and developmental reform will be built upon, and we have entrusted you today to protect this stability and to strike with iron fist whatever shakes the country,” he added.