Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun said that he would not allow the provocative rhetoric to awaken strife in the country.
On the occasion of the 74th Army Day, Aoun addressed the soldiers, saying: “Years have passed since the founding of the Military Institution. Yet, we have never let any obstacle frustrate our efforts."
"Our focus was on preserving civil peace and coexistence… We will never be moving backwards again; divergence and division will not rule over the Lebanese and we shall not allow provocative schemes and incitements to bring back strife.”
Aoun commended Lebanese soldiers as the “true guardians of democracy, who have always stepped up to their duties."
Nevertheless, he reminded them that in order for the Army to be successful, soldiers must be team players and not work for “any personal benefit.”
The LAF commander pointed out that the Israeli enemy continued to violate the sovereignty of Lebanon by land, sea and air.
For decades, many soldiers and civilians have been killed as a result of repeated attacks, he said, adding: “With your efforts and sacrifices, we will continue to confront [Israeli] ambitions and face terrorism.”
