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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Gen. Suleiman orders the army to defend the homeland |
| 2007-11-21 |
| Amid mounting tension on the eve of the controversial presidential elections, Lebanon's Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman indicated Tuesday that his troops would confront any attempt to destabilize Lebanon. In his order of the day marking the 64th anniversary of Lebanon's independence, Sleiman told his troops: "Your national role is dictated by the blood of martyrs and confidence of the citizens who would remain by your side Â… They call upon you to safeguard their security and stability; to prevent aggression on their lives and property; to protect public and privately-owned institutions and they support you in striking at whoever attempts to target security and the freedom of others." "Let it be known that any aggression on security is (tantamount to) national treason, and any weapon directed against the interior is a weapon of treachery. The homeland is at stake and you are the nation's protectors," Gen. Sleiman said in his order. The army and security forces have been entrusted with the task of enforcing law and order as the nation faces controversial elections to choose a successor to Syrian-backed President Emile Lahoud whose extended term in offices expires at midnight Friday. "Lebanon will emerge stronger than before and will be proud of your sacrifices and devotion," The Army Commander told his troops. He addressed the soldiers saying: "you have been a symbol of national unity. Pay no attention to whatever is happening regarding implementation of the constitution or interpreting it ... listen only to the calls of duty and the homeland ... defend your homeland, Lebanon." |
| Posted by:Fred |