Change and Reform Urges 'Restoring Dignity to Army Command', Demands Holding Cabinet Session
The Change and Reform bloc criticized on Tuesday the stalling in holding a cabinet session, demanding that it convene to halt “the violations against the constitution” and resolve the dispute over the controversial security appointments issue.
Former Minister Salim Jreissati said after the bloc's weekly meeting: “Cabinet should meet in order to restore dignity to the army command.”
The term of Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji ends in September amid concerns by the bloc that his term would be extended, in what it says is a constitutional violation.
“We are keen on the army command as we are on other security authorities. Who has diminished the authority of this institution?” wondered Jreissati.
“Cabinet should put a stop to ministers who are exceeding their powers. We know who is paralyzing the government,” he added.
The military positions in Lebanon are suffering as a result of the presidential vacuum in light of the parliament's failure to elect a successor to Michel Suleiman, whose term ended in May 2014.
Change and Reform bloc officials have been calling for the appointment of high-ranking military and security officials before discussing any other issue in the cabinet.
Bloc leader MP Michel Aoun wants to bring his son-in-law Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz as army chief.
Earlier in June, the term of Internal Security Forces chief Ibrahim Basbous was extended.
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