Miqati Meets Qahwaji, Ghosn: We Are Keen on Morally and Financially Supporting the Army

Prime Minister Najib Miqati said on Tuesday that the national security institutions are the backbone for “the strong and capable state,” adding that no one can lure Lebanon away from its decision to distance itself from the developments in Syria.

He stressed the need to “morally and financially support the army seeing as it guarantees civil peace and embodies national unity.”

He made his remarks after holding talks at the Defense Ministry with Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji and Minister Fayez Ghosn.

“The army is keen on ensuring the security of the people without discrimination and it does so in line with commands by the political leadership,” he continued.

“Since its formation, the government has sought to cater to the needs of the army, taking into consideration the limited means at its disposal,” said the premier.

Miqati highlighted the challenges facing the army in its mission to cement its role in Lebanon, starting with the need to maintain stability in the South through the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701.

He stressed the need for preserving national unity, noting “the army’s wisdom in the past few weeks that prevented the escalation of tensions in Lebanon into strife.”

In addition, he emphasized the importance of national dialogue, “which will remain the main means for reaching consensus among the Lebanese.”

“Everyone is obligated to facilitate the continuation of the talks because violence will be its alternative,” continued Miqati.

“Violence, no matter how severe it gets, cannot provide long-term solutions, but it only leads to further self-destruction,” he declared.

“There can be no substitute to the strong, just, and capable state that derives its power from the united will of its people, functioning of its constitutional institutions, and strength of its army,” he stressed.

Addressing the developments in Syria, he remarked: “We wish it and its people what we wish for our country.”

“No one can lure us away from our decision to distance Lebanon from the crisis in Syria,” he said.

“We will not be swayed by whatever pressure that may be exerted us, whether on the political, security, or economic levels, to take positions that contradict our convictions,” he stated.

“The measures that the army has taken on the internal scene and the eastern and northern borders are an exact implementation of the government’s decision to distance itself from the Syrian unrest,” he explained.

“We will not allow Lebanese territory to serve as an open ground for arms smugglers, for the formation of a buffer zone with Syria, or harboring terrorists,” stressed Miqati.

For his part Qahwaji stated: “We are aware of the enormity of the challenges facing Lebanon on the internal and external scenes, especially those in Syria.”

Addressing the premier, he said: “We are aware of the efforts you and President Michel Suleiman are exerting to maintain the peace as demonstrated through the resumption of the national dialogue.”

The government has taken the wise decision to distance itself from the developments in Syria, he added.

“You are aware of the dangerousness of any other option and the negative effects it may have on Lebanon and its national unity,” continued the army commander.

“The army will not bow before hardships and it will not waver in fulfilling its national duties,” stressed Qahwaji.

“Rest assured that the army will remain under the authority of the law and it will only abide by the orders of the president and government,” he said.