Miqati Meets Qahwaji, Throws Weight Behind Army
Prime Minister Najib Miqati threw his weight behind the army on Tuesday, criticizing some politicians for shoving the military institution into political differences that flourish ahead of parliamentary elections.
“The support for the army should be a common denominator because it has proved that it remained at a single distance from everyone and worked for the service of Lebanon and its people without any distinction,” Miqati said during talks with army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji.
Doubts on the army's role not just harm the institution but the entire nation, Miqati warned during the meeting held at the Grand Serail.
“If the army is using wisdom in resolving security incidents, then this does not mean it is weak or hesitant,” he stressed as he congratulated Qahwaji on the recent measures that the military took in pursuing wanted criminals and those involved in abductions, and in restoring order in areas that have witnessed tensions, mainly the northern city of Tripoli, some neighborhoods in Beirut's southern suburbs and regional towns and villages.
“It would be very wrong to shove the army in political differences that flourish during electoral seasons or by hinting that the army is practicing its responsibilities in a certain region and neglecting other areas,” Miqati warned.
“We have full confidence in the Lebanese army in the missions that it is tasked with carrying out,” he said. “Then any mistake would be resolved within the military institution and by the competent judiciary.”
Miqati also held separate talks with Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi, congratulating the ISF for thwarting several plots to create security incidents in the country.
“The criticism against the ISF and some of its officers and personnel from time to time should be a motive to make further sacrifices under the law,” he said.
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