Qazzi Calls for Safeguarding Military Institution from Political Chaos

Labor Minister Sejaan Qazzi stressed on Tuesday the importance of separating the appointment of military personnel from other political matters to avoid a rift in the army.

“The military institution doesn't need an additional battle... it's enough what it's confronting locally and along the border,” Qazzi said in comments published in the Kuwaiti al-Seyassah newspaper.

The minister, who is loyal to Kataeb party chief Amin Gemayel, pointed out that the party will thoroughly discuss the matter when it's time to tackle it.

“We want to avoid involving the military institution in the political chaos,” Qazzi noted.

The military positions in Lebanon are suffering as a result of the months-long presidential vacuum in light of the parliament's failure to elect a successor for Michel Suleiman. The vacuum threatens the position of Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous who is set to retire in June.

The tenure of Army chief General Jean Qahwaji is also set to end in September. His term was extended for two years in September 2013.

Political rivals have been engaged in a spat over whether to appointment new top civil servants in state posts or extend the term of current personnel.

Concerning the ongoing presidential deadlock, Qazzi said that no positive solution is looming on the horizon.

“The elections will remain at an impasse if the political-arch foes don't make a positive change in their manner,” the minister remarked, expressing pessimism over the near-end of the crisis.

H.K.

G.K.