Lebanese Army Commander, General Jean Qahwaji delivered on Monday the Order of the Day on the occasion of Lebanon’s 73rd Independence Day in which he emphasized that the army will keep protecting the national security, stability and peace, adding that it will not spare any chance to liberate the army soldiers who are still kidnapped by ISIL terrorist group.
General Qahwaji added that carrying out the presidential elections has contributed to the country’s stability which has been preserved by the army during the vacuum’s period.
30 army soldiers and policemen were kidnapped in 2014 during a deadly attack launched by Nusra Front and ISIL terrorist groups on the northeastern border town of Arsal.
16 servicemen, who had been arrested by Nusra, were liberated in December 2015, However, 9 others are still kidnapped by ISIL.
The following is the full text as reported by NNA:
“Fellow Soldiers,
The Independence Day comes upon us this year and brings along the hope that we have been missing during the years of the presidential vacuum, to declare the coming of a promising era in light of the newly organized state institutions and their new coherence. This day comes upon us to reinforce the stability that you have been preserving all along these past years, with the aim of helping the country to spring in a journey of development and progress.
Fellow Soldiers,
The election of His Excellency, the President of the Republic General Michel Aoun, has turned over a brand new page and restructured basic elements in a political scene that has witnessed division and marginalization during the past phase. This election will undoubtedly establish the aspired national cohesion, built on sovereign foundations that protect the inside from surrounding dangers that never seize to cast their terrorist shadows all over the borders.
You have stirred the country, at the most critical and crucial of times, to the shore of stability, security and national peace. From now on, constitutional institutions that have regained their place will assist you in protecting Lebanon. Institutions which entitlement was protected thanks to the major role that you have played in this field and that you regard with confidence to persist in boosting your capabilities by providing developed equipment that is able to confront all challenges.
Fellow Soldiers,
What embitters our happiness in this Day is the continuous terrorist kidnapping of some of our hero soldiers. We will spare no effort and no chance with the aim of revealing their fate and liberating them. Furthermore, our happiness is incomplete due to the loss of our brave martyrs that have sacrificed their souls for the sake of our nation and people in the face of threats that would have been endless, had they have been realized.
Despite this fact, be proud of what you have accomplished, in your resistance in the face of the Israeli enemy at the Southern border and your fruitful cooperation with the UNIFIL in implementation of the resolution 1701, as well as your victory in the face of terrorism and its sabotaging webs at the borders and inside Lebanon. You should also be proud of your protection of security, stability and national peace and for ensuring the suitable climate for the continuity of constitutional institutions that have been standing throughout the presidential vacuum. Most importantly, you have contributed in compliance with your role to making the Presidential Elections a success.
Be proud that you have proven to be the most competent in battle among the rest of the armies and that you have earned the commendation of the most important international military academies, through the bravery of your martyrs, wounded and your own bravery despite your modest capabilities. Know that this major confidence in your institution has encouraged friend states to offer you assistance at a time where our institution was struggling with paralysis throughout the years of vacuum.
Fellow Soldiers,
Thanks to the resistance of your institution, the nation lived on. Therefore, hold on to your doctrine of combat and to your national principles, through which you have proven to be an impenetrable power, immune to political and confessional provocation.
Your army will remain the safety net that carries the Lebanese citizens. Therefore, be prepared for roles that are required in the new phase and prove, just like you always have, that you are the right choice and the hope that never disappoints.”
Source: Al-Manar Website
