The Armed Forces Commander visited Fouad Chehab museum – Jounieh

The Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun visited today Fouad Chehab museum – Jounieh, as per the invitation of the general president of the Maronite Order Father Neemtallah el Hachem, with the presence of several figures and religious, political, social and cultural figures.

After a welcoming speech delivered by journalist Bassam Barrak, the founder of the museum Father Wadih el Sqayem delivered a speech on the occasion in which he commended the qualities of the late president who set the bases for the development of this state, leaving the museum for the LAF to visit and organize seminars and conferences. Father Sqayem confirmed that amidst this foggy phase that is laying its security, economic and social impact all over the country, the military institution remains the sole guarantee for the security of the Lebanese.

Afterwards, General Aoun toured the museum and inspected the most prized possessions of Major General Chehab that he used throughout his life. General Aoun also signed the golden record, received a commemorative shield from Father Hachem and planted a cedar with his name at the court of the museum.

General Joseph Aoun delivered a speech on the occasion in which he stated:

“we are speechless in such a place filled with Lebanon’s beautiful history, that bore witness of the memories of a man who set the bases for the concept of the state by building institutions. He is the commander and the president who combined the values of leadership and responsibility in addition to modesty and humanity.

He is the one who said that Independence in built. It is neither given nor taken.

He is the one who said that the LAF is the school of national unity.

These are words that still resonate up until this day, particularly in critical phases.

Here, I must extend my appreciation to the Maronite order and to the central school in Jounieh for turning this house that was almost forgotten into a historical landmark that preserves the legacy of Major General Chehab and keeps his memory alive in our souls and in those of future generations. It is a bold national step that commemorates an important era of our military and political history.

The late president Major General Fouad Chehab succeeded in making the military institution a national example in Honor, Sacrifice and Loyalty, an institution that knows no religious or regional background.

We are saddened, in the presence of the founder of the LAF, to witness today the campaigns that target the structure and morale of the troops. It is no secret that the Army is the backbone of Lebanon. We won’t be exaggerating if we say that it guarantees the country’s security and stability. Its mission is not limited to times of war and conflicts, for immunizing stability and peace requires efforts that surpass sometimes the requirements of wars. Despite the current security stability, great challenges remain, such as those at our eastern, southern and maritime borders.

In this frame, we reminisce what the late president stated in 1961 to the officers: “ your noble mission is not only limited to border protection and the confrontation of every assaulter. It surpasses it to the inside of the country where you work together to protect our unity.”

Undoubtedly, the military institution is a part of the Lebanese economic structure and it is not safe from any austerity that the economic situation might require. We were the first to adopt, 2 years ago, a very well organized financial policy that sets expenditures according to necessities only, despite the numerous demands resulting from internal and regional challenges.

We will not stop at the evaluation of intentions. However, since the budget discussion began, which seemed unfair to the military institution and its troops who vowed to be loyal to the nation, intentions to target soldiers in active duty and in retirement were revealed, after having offered their lives for the sake of honor, sacrifice and loyalty.

The LAF was not left with a choice to set its expenditures and its budget. It was intended to show the public that the LAF is held responsible for the general debt.

The distribution of LAF missions and setting priorities in military measures have even become subjects of discussion, knowing that the LAF command is the sole party to make this decision. All LAF units are equal and combat needs combat service.

The recent accomplishments of the military institution in fighting corruption and bribes and external interventions must be immunized and protected for the sake of Lebanon and its future. What the budget has so far resulted in, such as the ban on recruiting soldiers or cadets, and the ban on dismissal, threatens to have negative consequences on the military establishment by striking its structure and upsetting the balance of promotions, and this runs contrary to the defense law. The rights of the military are not a favor from anyone, and targeting their morale is a crime not only against them, but against the nation.

I promise you that we will not rest and will not accept the rights or dignity of our officers and soldiers to be touched. Rest assured that attempts to weaken the military establishment will not dissuade us from exerting pressure toward pressing for our rights.”

In the end, I extend my appreciation to the central school for its interest in the legacy of later President Major General Fouad Chehab and I would like to thank the school for inviting me to visit this museum.