President Joseph Aoun welcomed on Monday at Baabda Palace House Speaker Nabih Berri to discuss the latest developments, including the outcomes of Aoun’s meetings in the United States on the margins of the UN General Assembly as well as the political tensions caused by the Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s criticism of Lebanese Army and security forces over Raouche Rock event.
After the meeting, Speaker Berri told the reporters that the meeting with President Aoun was excellent as usual.
Before the meeting, both President Aoun and Speaker Berri issued separate statements that warned against tampering with the Army, stressing that the military is a red line.
“Civil peace remains paramount above all considerations, and it is the duty of the army and security forces to preserve it. They are fully fulfilling their duty to achieve this goal, which constitutes a red line. Without the army and security forces’ vigilance over the security and safety of citizens and the protection of Lebanese society in all its components, Lebanon would not have regained its security and stability, and we would not be together today,” President Aoun said.
He added: “It is unacceptable for anyone to direct criticism at the army and security forces, as this is a red line.”
Aoun emphasized that the army and security forces work in full coordination and absolute cooperation, combating terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking, and performing the security tasks entrusted to them with full commitment and responsibility.”
In turn, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed that the army is a red line, and that targeting it by anyone is prohibited.
He said in a press statement: “It is forbidden to harm the army. The army does not belong to any party, nor does it side with any party against any other. The army is for the entire country.”
President Aoun, on Monday met at Baabda Palace with Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, who briefed him on the security situation in the South and across the country.
President Aoun conferred upon the Army Commander the National Order of the Cedar, the rank of Grand Officer, in recognition of his contributions and the leadership missions he undertakes.
Salam wanted the Army and security forces to prevent the mourners of the Master of the Ummah’s Martyrs Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and the Hashemite Martyr Sayyed Hashem Safieddine from marking their first anniversary by illuminating Raouche Rock with their great images.
However, the Army and security forces preserved the national security and allowed the event without recording any breach. In the aftermath, Salam criticized them, which left political tensions in the country.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
