Aoun: Army is Lebanon's only savior

President Joseph Aoun on Monday hoped the new year will witness “a new birth of Lebanon, so that it becomes a state of institutions, away from the state of sects.”

“History has proven that the Lebanese Army has saved Lebanon many times, and the future will prove that it is Lebanon's only savior, because it is the only institution that works in the country's best interests, free from political, partisan and sectarian considerations,” Aoun told an Army Command delegation that visited him to offer season’s greetings.

"You are the backbone of Lebanon, and no one can erase your achievements, despite some people's attempts to criticize and lecture the army and the military establishment. The institution is performing its role and duties excellently, across the entire country, with complete integrity and dedication, and in coordination with all security agencies,” the president added.

“The proof of this is the army's achievements in the south, where the military institution offered 12 martyrs while carrying out its missions," Aoun went on to say, emphasizing that the army will remain “an institution that does not compromise on sovereignty and is loyal only to the nation.”

He considered the army's protection of the borders a crucial guarantee, adding that “its resilience in the face of adversity is what gives the Lebanese people hope for a better tomorrow.”

Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal for his part affirmed that the army is strong, cohesive, and ready to carry out all its missions, while bearing in mind that its primary mission is maintaining internal security and stability.

He added: "The army has worked and continues to work conscientiously to preserve national unity."