Suleiman: Only Parliament can extend my mandate

 

Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) commander General Michel Suleiman on Thursday refused to have his mandate extended after his term expires on August 21. In an interview with Al-Afkar magazine to be published Friday, Suleiman said the extension of his term could only be passed through Parliament.

 

He added that any candidate for Lebanon”s presidency needed to be consensual, even if it left him out of the picture.

 

The army chief also told Al-Afkar that US Assistant Secretary of State David Welch”s visit to Beirut last week aimed at discussing support for the LAF, including their need for weapons and equipment

 

Regarding Sunday”s shootout in Zahle, Suleiman said that the incident had not been premeditated, adding that the army was working to locate the perpetrators.

 

Phalange party activists Nasri Marouni and Salim Assi were shot dead last Sunday night following the inauguration of the party”s new headquarters in the Bekaa Valley town of Zahle. The gunman was identified as Joseph Zouki, a supporter of Zahle opposition MP Elie Skaff.
 

Suleiman said the military was united and guaranteed the prevention of civil war “after it established its credibility in the recent security events which have shaken Lebanon.”

 

The army chief added that the LAF was ready to face any renewed Israeli aggression, adding that army patrols in Southern Lebanon were routine. “I have set up a permanent camp near Rmeish and spend one night there every month with part of the army staff there to remain up to date and give guidance and instruction,” he added.