Report: Berri Rejects Vacuum in Military Institution
Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Saturday that Lebanon's military institution must not fall in the vacuum as he reiterated the necessity to fortify the country's army and distance it from political conflicts, al-Joumhouria daily reported.
Hailing the role of the military institution in confronting terrorism and reinforcing security and internal stability, Berri said: “I refuse vacuum in the military institution, not even for one minute. This institution is the safety valve of the country.”
Berri was referring to the controversy over the term extension of Army commander General Jean Qahwaji whose tenure expires in September.
The Free Patriotic Movement has reportedly warned previously that it intends to turn Prime Minister Tammam Salam's cabinet into a “caretaker cabinet” should the term of Qahwaji be extended by another year.
Defense Minister Samir Moqbel had in August last year postponed the retirement of Qahwaji, Salman and Higher Defense Council chief Maj. Gen. Mohammed Kheir, extending their terms by one year, after the political forces failed to reach an agreement on security and military appointments.
The army chief's term has been extended twice since 2013 despite political objections, especially from the FPM which says it rejects term extensions for any military or security official.
Source: Naharnet
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