Qahwaji Says Army Not to Despair on Liberation of Occupied Land
Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji vowed on Friday to liberate the remaining land occupied by Israel and to bring back home servicemen taken hostage by jihadists.
“We will not despair until we liberate the last inch of our occupied land,” Qahwaji said in his Order of the Day on the occasion of Resistance and Liberation Day.
The military commander also vowed to preserve the nation's land, people and institutions, expressing confidence in the army's willingness to be honored with such a “noble mission.”
Southern Lebanon “had been a battleground for Israeli aggression and a gate for the blowing sectarian winds. But it has become an oasis of security and stability” due to the army's readiness to defend it, he said.
Resistance and Liberation Day falls on May 25 and marks the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon in 2000 following an occupation of 22 years.
But Israel continues to occupy the Shebaa Farms area, the Kfarshouba hills and the northern part of Ghajar.
Qahwaji reiterated that the army would exert all efforts to free the troops and policemen taken captive by jihadists from the northeastern border town of Arsal in August last year.
“We will do all we can to release them and bring them back to their families and institutions,” he said.
“After doubts about your ability to confront terrorist organizations, you succeeded in thwarting their sabotaging goals which consolidated the confidence that the Lebanese (people) have in you and … lured friendly countries to provide military assistance to the institution,” he told troops.
Qahwaji stressed that “the preservation of coexistence, the commitment to the National Pact and the full loyalty to Lebanon have been the supreme objectives of the institution.”
The army proved “its only obsession is to preserve the nation,” and that it rejects political disputes and sectarian divisions among its ranks, he said.
He urged troops to remain loyal to such objectives and characteristics, which are “Lebanon's sole protectors” and which “stop enemies from luring them to chaos and disintegration.”
Qahwaji also lauded soldiers for being “brave” and preserving stability, “setting an example on national unity, which had always been the reason for the nation's existence as an independent, free and independent state.”
G.K.
H.K.
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