Aoun Slams Govt. over Appointments, Says Defending Army 'Hierarchy, Morale'

Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun on Tuesday criticized the government for failing to appoint new chiefs for the country's military and security institutions, noting that his demands are aimed at preserving the army's “military hierarchy and morale."

“The cabinet is obstructing itself ... Why is it not making the appointments?” Aoun said after the weekly meeting of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc in Rabiyeh.

“Grave mistakes are being committed against the army and things must take their course,” he added.

“What are the reasons that have prevented the government from performing the duty of appointing the state's top officials, especially the army commander?” Aoun asked.

He noted that his calls are aimed at defending “the army and its military hierarchy and morale.”

On Monday, the cabinet failed to discuss the thorny issue of the security appointments, postponing debate to Thursday's session. Media reports said the four-hour session remained focused on the situation in the restive northeastern town of Arsal.

Aoun has repeatedly warned the government against extending the terms of the army and Internal Security Forces chiefs, deeming it illegal.

He allegedly backs the appointment of his son-in-law, Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz, as army commander.

Military chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji is set to retire on September 23.

The top security posts in Lebanon are suffering due to the months-long presidential vacuum caused by the parliament's failure to elect a successor to Michel Suleiman whose tenure ended in May last year.

Y.R.