Lebanese army issues Independence Day statement

Source: nowlebanon.com, 21-11-2008
The Lebanese Army Command said the military would continue to pursue it national mission, in a statement issued on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Lebanese Independence.

The command said that while the preservation of independence had endured many trials, the army would continue to safeguard the nation and loyally perform its duties.

The command said that national unity, the army's perseverance and the speeding up of resistance operations had together brought about liberation. During the July War in 2006, the statement added, the army had reflected the image of a resisting nation.

Army Command also said that 171 soldiers had died and hundreds more had been injured, for the sake of nation, during the 2007 Nahr al-Bared battles. The command said important achievements had been accomplished combating terrorism and exposing Israeli espionage.

The command said the army would continue to accept aide to strengthen its capabilities so long as the donations did not define policy or interfere with the army's performance.