Aoun Urges 'National Rapprochement' to Protect Border 'Victory'

President Michel Aoun on Wednesday called on Lebanese not to allow “political bickering” to make them forget the Lebanese army's victory against Islamic State militants on the eastern border.

Addressing soldiers in a speech from the Baabda Palace, the president said: “We were hoping to celebrate with your kidnapped comrades, but what consoles us is that we have found them, especially that knowing their fate was one of the battle's most important objectives.”

Aoun was referring to human remains likely belonging to nine Lebanese troops abducted by the IS in 2014 and eventually killed that have been located in recent days near the border as part of a Hizbullah-led deal with the jihadist group.

Saluting the residents of the border areas “who stayed in their land and confronted terrorism,” the president pledged to address their needs and vowed that “development will be an objective.”

“Lebanon has triumphed over terrorism and its victory has been huge and honorable. The army has proved that it is the only army that has managed to fight Daesh (IS),” Aoun added.

Addressing the Lebanese people, the president said: “Don't allow the atmosphere of political bickering to make you forget the victory that has been achieved and know that your army has accomplished something that certain countries have failed to achieve.”

“It is our duty as officials and political parties to protect this victory through national rapprochement, and to continue protecting Lebanon from the repercussions of the ongoing events,” Aoun added.