Qahwaji in Message to Army: Remain Vigilant and Preserve May 25 Achievement
Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji on Saturday urged the military to safeguard the resistance”s achievement and prepare to maintain security during the elections, in a message celebrating the ninth anniversary of the south”s liberation on May 25.
Qahwaji saluted "the martyrs of the homeland including military men, resistance fighters and civilians for shedding their blood to liberate the land, claim back national sovereignty and confirm Lebanon”s strength and right to its soil and water."
"Rest assured that the preservation of this achievement is considered one of your primary duties and commitments because by reaching this noble goal you proved your commitment to the oath (of loyalty)," he said.
He said the army”s deployment in the south, with UNIFIL”s support, confirms the military”s "resolve to retrieve the land that is still under occupation in the northern part of al-Ghajar, Shebaa Farms and the hills of Kfarshouba."
"On this glorious day of Lebanon”s history, I ask of you more vigilance and constant preparedness to foil the schemes of the Israeli enemy and to continue to dismantle its sabotaging networks.
"And don”t forget that the collaborators only represent themselves… they belong only to their betrayal.
"I also ask of you to combat, with force, terrorism, protect civil peace and crackdown on organized crime."
Qahwaji reminded the military men of the challenging task ahead of them as the elections day draws near.
He asked the army to be "completely prepared to maintain security during the parliamentary elections, which represent an opportunity for the Lebanese to express their choices, freely and democratically."
He called on them to be firm against law violators and to be disciplined and unbiased.
"I am sure that you will succeed (at your mission) as you have done in the past during major national stops and once again prove you are up to the task."