Lebanese general warns not to politicise army

Lebanese Army Forces chief General al-Emad Jean Kahwaji has said that targetting the military for political or electoral interests, would not help the army's integrity or soldiers' morale, as they were only loyal to the armed forces. Kahwaji made the statement in response to recent rallies in which protesting patriots blocked roads and raise slogans across the country. The Lebanese military leader held a meeting in Yerzeh with security leadership, major unit leaders, and operational battalions. They discussed the general status of the state, and supplied them with instructions for the next stage. Kahwajy said: "The Arab crises, especially in Syria, in addition to difficulties that Lebanon is facing, needs the army to exert exclusive efforts in order to overcome this stage with the least amount of harm." "We must defend the south from Israeli aggression, especially after their recent threats, while inhabitants in the northern borders and Bekaa valley must be secured. Infiltration attempts must be dealt with," he said. “The political contradictions in Lebanon, in addition to attempts seeking to criticise or support the army for reasons pertaining to politics or elections, will not affect the unity of the troops at all” he added. "The army leadership has always worked in silence and it is keen not to drag the military institution into futile arguments due for campaigns against army officers and personnel, the military will not remain silent from now on…because some groups have understood the army’s silence as weakness, and not wisdom,” said Kahwaji. The general went on to point out that the military was not going to "flatter any party" and was more concerned with national security.