Qahwaji Says Political Disputes Forced Decisions to Avert Vacuum

Army Commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji said on Wednesday criticized the political disputes among the rival parties, which pressed politicians to take decisions in order to avoid vacuum.

In his Order of the Day to mark the 68th Army Day, Qahwaji stressed that “there wouldn't have been any fear of vacuum if the political life went on normally and disputes didn't govern ties between parties.”

He reiterated that the army is holding onto the Lebanese constitution and the National Pact principles, which is related to Lebanon's sovereignty, maintaining democracy and respecting international and Arab conventions.

“What happened recently should motivate us all to end the political and personal disputes that terminate our constitutional values and the Taif accord,” Qahwaji added.

He pointed out that the army is committed to maintain the “democratic legacy” in Lebanon by preserving the institutions.

“We are committed to the law and will not surpass it,” the army chief said.

Qahwaji's term, which ends in September when he turns 60, has been the center of disputes among politicians.

Most of the political parties voiced support to the extension decision but Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun rejects any attempts to extend his term, describing it as "illegal."