Hariri from Ras Baalbek: We Want the Army to Get Stronger
Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday inspected military units deployed in the eastern border town of Ras Baalbek, where he stressed the need to boost the army's capabilities so that it becomes the sole defender of Lebanon.
“This is a highly patriotic battle and we have martyrs who have fallen to protect the country and provide security and stability for the Lebanese citizens,” said Hariri in Ras Baalbek, referring to a major army offensive against Islamic State militants on the eastern border.
“We want this army to get stronger because we want the state alone to perform the security missions,” the premier added, in the presence of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.
Hariri also stressed that the army is not coordinating militarily with any party in its operation, in reference to Hizbullah and the Syrian army.
“The army did not lack the ability to liberate Arsal's outskirts, but we had political calculations in this regard,” Hariri added, in response to a reporter's question.
Hariri's visit comes a day after the army announced that it was now in control of 100 out of 120 square kilometers of territory previously held by IS.
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