Moqbel Questions Opposition to Extension of Security Figures' Terms Given Regional Dangers

Defense Minister Samir Moqbel questioned the opposition of some officials to the extension of the term of security figures, stressing that he seeks the interests of the army, reported As Safir newspaper on Saturday.

He told the daily: “Those who oppose the extension are not aware of the conditions the army is passing through.”

“They do not know how the situation of the army will be should quorum be lost at the military council,” he continued.

On the extension of the term of Army Intelligence chief Brig. Gen. Edmond Fadel, the minister remarked: “We need him to continue in his post given the war against terror.”

“The most that this war needs is intelligence, so how can we leave the position vacant?” stated Moqbel.

The minister signed on Thursday a decree to extend Fadel's term by six months.

He defended his measure, saying that it comes in accordance with his jurisdictions.

Moqbel and the Free Patriotic Movement were recently at loggerheads after FPM chief MP Michel Aoun decided to withdraw confidence from him over the extension of the term of the head of the Higher Defense Council, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Khair.

The military positions in Lebanon are suffering as a result of the months-long presidential vacuum in light of the parliament's failure to elect a successor for Michel Suleiman. The vacuum also threatens the position of Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous who is set to retire in June.

The tenure of Army Chief General Jean Qahwaji is set to end in September. His term was extended for two years in September 2013.

M.T.