Full statement by the Minister of National Defense, Brigadier General Michel Mansi:
In recent days there have been a number of positions addressing the Lebanese army and its leadership, under the headings of the commitment of the military institution to the government's decisions without discussion or interception, reaching the point of appeal, doubt and incitement against the army, its leadership and commander, and raising the issue of his resignation or dismissal and his interference in the implementation or as an employee.
Therefore, the following should be clarified:
The powers of the Council of Ministers are limited to decisions concerning general defense and security policy, and not to issuing orders or directives that are solely within the powers and tasks of the army leadership.
The army has a basic, central, permanent and expanded mission, which is to protect the land of Lebanon, its people and its institutions from any external or internal enemy, to protect national unity and civil peace, to maintain internal stability, to deter security disturbances, to confront any disruption or conflict, and to confront anyone who dares to consider the status, position, or security of the citizen and above the law. The Minister of National Security confirms that the military institution adheres to the political decision issued by the executive authority and the directives of the Honorable President of the Republic, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, but the serious and dangerous national responsibility placed on the shoulders of the army is the top priority, the most important consideration, and the supreme goal according to which he takes into account the abilities and capabilities of the army. An army, maintains the morale of its officers and members, ensures the unity of its men and prevents any conflict to which any step taken under duress or pressure may lead. in any event.
The Lebanese army is the only unifying institution that melts the Lebanese, all Lebanese, into a melting pot of patriotism that rejects any division, faction and sectarianism.
The army will always remain a drawn sword against the disease of Lebanon, and it does not ask for any reward, because the love of the Lebanese people for it is the greatest reward. What he only asks is that no Lebanese will allow himself, intentionally or unintentionally, to be a dagger in his back and a stab in his sacrifices and in the blood of his lust../his illness..