Qahwaji Calls on Troops to 'Distance Themselves from Wrong Bets'

Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji on Thursday called on army troops to “maintain full readiness in order to confront what tomorrow may bring of difficulties and threats,” urging them to “distance themselves from the wrong bets which are being promoted by some people.”

At a ceremony to honor Maj. Gen. Michel Menassa, defense ministry inspector general and member of the Military Council, and secretary-general of the council Brig. Gen. Shadi al-Muallem, who have both reached the compulsory age of retirement, Qahwaji stressed that “the army’s constant bet is preserving the country’s unity, independence and achievements, and protecting all the Lebanese, regardless of their affiliations.”

Over the past few months, the army has been repeatedly accused of turning a blind eye to Syrian violations of Lebanese borders.

Last month the Army Command responded by saying that “army units immediately intervene to tackle any violation that may take place along the Lebanese-Syrian border.”