Qahwaji on Army Day: Coexistence, National Unity Distinguished the Military

Army chief General Jean Qahwaji stressed on Friday during the marking of the Army Day that the military is the guardian of national unity, diversity and coexistence.

“The military institution has proven, despite all the adversity and the continued attempts to assault it, that coexistence is a fact and a conviction,” Qahwaji said in his Order of the Day to mark the 69th anniversary of the Lebanese army's founding.

He pointed out that the army is seeking to become a model for the Lebanese in safeguarding the “unique experience” of coexistence.

“On August 1, we are proud to be a symbol for this model that is Lebanon's only salvation.”

A ceremony was held at the Fayadieh Military Academy to mark the Army Day instead of the traditional ceremony due to the ongoing presidential vacuum.

Two hundred and eighty officers, who were promoted to the rank of lieutenant, only received certificates instead of their swords.

“The difficult situation that the country is passing through and the presidential vacuum compelled us to cancel the traditional ceremony,” Qahwaji said.

H.K.

M.T.