Amid false accusations against Lebanese Army, Kahwaji assures army command loyal to nation

Source: nowlebanon.com, 06-02-2009

During a ceremony at the Defense Ministry on Friday honoring President Michel Suleiman, Army Commander General Jean Kahwaji addressed Suleiman saying that "Amid the false accusations against the [Lebanese Army Command], I assure you that it will remain loyal to the army and to the nation."

He said that the army was optimistic about the national dialogue around a new defense strategy that would "preserve national unity and security."
Kahwaji also commended Sleiman for his work as former army commander where he said Sleiman transformed the army into a respected institution that has earned the "confidence of all the Lebanese."

As the current commander, Kahwaji said his priority would be to preserve and built on Sleiman's accomplishments.
Kahwaji also said that the army would not abandon its "sacred duty" to defend Lebanon against any "Israeli" attack, adding that the army would continue to counter aggression in cooperation with the Internal Security Forces.