Phalange Demands 'Exceptional Extension' of Qahwaji's Term

The Phalange Party on Monday urged political factions to “exceptionally" agree on extending the retirement age of the army commander and the members of the military council "because of the critical security situation in the country."

“We demand laying down a rescue plan to fill in official positions risked of becoming vacant, particularly the army's leadership,” the party said in a released statement following the political bureau's weekly meeting.

The statement stressed: “We call on political factions to exceptionally reach consensus over changing the retirement age of the army commander in chief.”

Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji's term ends this September when he turns 60, the maximum age for the post of the army commander.

Sharp dispute over this issue emerged between the Free Patriotic Movement on the one hand and Hizbullah and the Mustaqbal Movement on the other.

The politburo praised the political leaders' “unified stances" towards supporting the army, considering that these keep the military institution in "an area of consensus and outside political lineups.”

“We also urge the Lebanese people whatever was their religious or political affiliation to fully trust and support the army,” the statement said.

It also demanded providing a permanent political cover for the army to allow it to monitor areas that frequently witness unrest.

The political bureau noted: “This would prevent siding into disorder that can be hard to control and may cost the army further losses.”

“We reiterate our condemnation to attacks against the army,” it said.

"This is a treason against the country and its citizens.”

Eighteen soldiers were killed and 20 others were wounded in the fierce clashes with gunmen loyal to Salafist cleric Ahmed al-Asir on June 23 and 24. Twenty members of Asir's armed group were also killed.

The statement reiterated the party's calls to reconvene on the electoral law, and of choosing a proposal that takes into consideration “true representation and partnership in Lebanon.”

"This would allow shortening the extension period of the parliament's term and holding the elections to preserve the voters' rights and the devolution of power,” it said.

The parliament's extension was the result of the failure of the rival parties to agree on a new law to govern the polls and amid the rejection of the implementation of the 1960 law that was used in the 2009 elections.