Opposition Targets Army, Government, Jumblat
Ex-MP Talal Arslan on Wednesday made an outright accusation to the army of “bias against us”, indicating such an alleged stand threatens chances of electing Gen. Suleiman President.
Arslan, addressing a press conference, spoke of “bias by the army against us and against our partisans.”
The Army Command issued a statement confirming that the military institution dissociated itself from all matters political, emphasizing the loyalty of the military to the people of Lebanon in all situations and circumstances.
The army performed in complete transparency and had succeeded in various security tasks in recent years, which was met with Lebanese consensus around and confidence in the military.
Arslan claimed to have “serious” information on alleged developments related to “the circuit” around the director of military intelligence. He did not elaborate on the allegation.
“I want to address the army commander, not in his military capacity, but in his capacity as the front runner in the presidential elections, to ask him: wouldn”t this campaign burn your bridges in the presidential race?”
The Army Command accused politicians of broadcasting comments on and attitudes toward the army which revealed “non-innocent intentions.” These intentions, the command added, inferred the existence of a relationship between the army and the political conflict gripping Lebanon and questioned the sectarian affiliations of disciplined soldiers.
“The Army Command calls on everyone to show national responsibility in dealing with matters related to the military institution, and to refrain from implicating the dignity of the military, the guarantor of national unity, security and stability, in political strife,” the statement concluded.
Arslan also said “We are being intentionally exposed by the … junta that occupies the prime minister”s offices, shatters the constitution and the national charter and spreads corruption.”
Arslan also accused the ruling majority of selling Lebanon “at the slave market to its foreign masters.”
Arslan also launched a vehement attack on rival Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, accusing him of “lacking principle and commitment.”