Qahwaji to Arsal Delegation: Army Treats All Citizens Equally Away from Political Considerations
Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji stated on Thursday that the Lebanese should be united in averting any negative repercussions of regional developments on their country.
He said before a delegation from the Bekaa town of Arsal: “The army cooperates with all citizens equally and without being affected by the political situation.”
“The army believes that maintaining the peace in Lebanon is a sacred right for all Lebanese,” he stressed.
“This right should not be taken lightly under any circumstances,” Qahwaji said.
For its part, the Arsal delegation thanked the army commander for the security measures that have been taken in the town, which are aimed at protecting the citizens and prevent the infiltration of individuals across the border with Syria.
On Tuesday, an Arsal delegation, led by Municipal Council chief Ali al-Hujairi, urged Prime Minister Najib Miqati to deploy troops near the town along the border with Syria.
The delegation's visit came against the backdrop of controversy that erupted over statements made by Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn over alleged al-Qaida activity in the area.
But Ghosn issued a statement on Monday stressing that his announcement was not based on speculation.
“It came as a result of information we received, which we thought was prudent to reveal to the public,” he stressed.
His new remarks came amid other statements made by Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour and Interior Minister Marwan Charbel who denied the presence of terrorists or al-Qaida fighters in Lebanon.
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