Strong state is key to national defense
Lebanese Forces MP Georges Adwan said the Lebanese Forces are heading to the national dialogue “open-minded” for discussions regarding the state’s destiny and defense.
“Discussing the defense strategy is only one section of the larger issue, which is the protection of Lebanon. The state’s protection is only ensured through a strong Lebanese state,” he said during an annual dinner for the Lebanese Forces at Naameh on Saturday.
Adwan said that last week’s assassination of Lebanese Democratic Party official Sheikh Saleh Aridi, whom he called “peacemaker,” came as serious steps were being taken by Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri toward reconciliation in Tripoli and the Bekaa Valley, as well as President Michel Sleiman’s announcement that the national dialogue would commence on September 16. Adwan added that the assassinations would not discourage the Lebanese Forces from building a strong respectful state.